Sushma seeks comments on alleged dues of Mahajan’s fly firm

LUCKNOW, OCT 20: Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Sushma Swaraj today said she has sought comments from the officials of her mi...

LUCKNOW, OCT 20: Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Sushma Swaraj today said she has sought comments from the officials of her ministry regarding media reports that a firm, owned by the family members of Union Information Technology Minister Pramod Mahajan allegedly owes Rs 6.5 crore as dues to the Prasar Bharti.

"I came to know of the issue only through media reports and have already sought the comments of the officials of my ministry in this regard", Swaraj told newsmen here.

In reply to a question, Swaraj said any further action could be taken only after receiving the report from the concerned officials.

Story continues below this ad

Media reports have suggested that Integral Productions, in which Mahajan’s wife and son have major financial interests, owes Rs 6.5 crore to the Prasar Bharti.

Swaraj is here in connection with BJP’s ongoing "achievement week" being celebrated on completion of one year of NDA government, and to participate in two day state executive committee meeting of the party, beginning Saturday.

Talking about future programmes of her ministry, Swaraj said a new Doordarshan channel would start functioning from Guwahati on December 23 next covering all the seven states of North-East, "where a lot of foreign propaganda was going on."

She expressed confidence that granting of industry status to the film world would help improve the standard of entertainment programmes. "There is immense scope in the entertainment world and it is regarded as one of the upcoming industries."

Story continues below this ad

On the achievements of the NDA government at the Centre, Swaraj said for the first time, international community, including US and Russia, supported India’s views on terrorism. "It is a major victory of India’s foreign policy," she said.