DD under-bid,alleges Prasar Bharati official

I recommend a detailed enquiry/investigation into this and also all cricket rights contracts entered into between 2009 till date as these have been settled at throwaway prices causing financial losses to Prasar Bharati in crores, he stated in the letter dated February 14,2011. Jain had blown the whistle about irregularities during the tenure of B S Lalli.

The appropriate bid in this regard,in my view,should have been placed at Rs 112.5 crore based on a conservative assessment, said Jain. DDs bid of Rs 30 crore considering an average realisation of a meagre Rs 40,000 per spot of 10 seconds is downright a pointer to serious financial irregularities,he said adding that the contract was settled with the approval of DG,DD and the Nominated Member without following the regular financial process despite the same being pointed out.

Rajiv Takru,Nominated Member,Prasar Bharati Board,however,rejected Jains contention terming it as a non-issue. Rs 32 crore was just for minimum guarantee. Irrespective of who markets it,share of revenue is 75 per cent to ESPN and 25 per cent to Doordarshan depending on actuals and not on bids. Formal invoices are raised. There is complete recording by both sides. Exact records of the telecast are maintained. The invoices are cross-verified by both sides, Takru,officiating CEO,told The Indian Express.

Prasar Bharti Board is likely yo take up the issue at a meeting on Wednesday,said sources.