Kajol may be ousted from Prasar Bharati for skipping meets

Kajol faces possible removal from the board of public broadcaster Prasar Bharati for not attending its meetings, say government sources.

The issue is currently being examined by the information and broadcasting ministry.

Prasar Bharati, comprising Doordarshan television network and All India Radio, is an autonomous body that comes under the ministry’s administrative jurisdiction. The actor, who was appointed as a part-time member of the board in February 2016, has not attended the last four meetings, which makes her liable for removal.

As per its rules, a member is “deemed to have vacated office if absent for three consecutive meetings of the Board without the leave of the chairman”.

Kajol’s spokesperson Jaiveer told HT: “Kajol, unfortunately, has not been able to attend the last three-four meetings due to prior professional commitments and also due to a family emergency through most of this year. Prior to this, she attended the meetings. She regrets that she has been unable to attend the last few meetings.”

A source told HT that the actor’s absence without permission was discussed at the last board meeting, with several members pointing out the aberration and seeking action. A report was subsequently sought by the ministry on her absence. “A notice will be sent to the actor on her absence and subsequent action will be decided by the ministry,” said an official source.

Prasar Bharti’s board members are paid airfare, hotel and travel payment and an allowance for attending the board meetings.