The Central government appears to have made up its mind to ease out Prasar Bharati's Chief Executive Officer B.S. Lalli, who was involved in a running feud with the Prasar Bharati Board and was indicted recently by the Central Vigilance Commission.

          Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has sought Presidential reference, setting in motion the process for Mr. Lalli's removal, highly placed sources in the government told The Hindu on Wednesday (08-12-2010).

         According to the Prasar Bharati Act, the CEO can be removed after a Presidential reference to the Supreme Court, which will order an inquiry.

          Indicted

       Mr. Lalli, a 1971 batch IAS officer of the Uttar Pradesh cadre, took charge as CEO in December 2006. He was indicted by the Central Vigilance Commission, which accused him of breach of parliamentary privilege, showing undue favour to some broadcast companies and financial mismanagement.

         Court directive

      After investigating a slew of allegations against Mr. Lalli under a directive of the Delhi High Court, the Central Vigilance Commission, in its report earlier this year, commented adversely against Mr. Lalli. To protect the public broadcaster from government influence and ensure its autonomy, the Prasar Bharati CEO is appointed by a high-power panel, which includes the Prime Minister, the Rajya Sabha Chairman and the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha.

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