Exclusive: Kajol may lose Prasar Bharati job due to repeated absence

New Delhi: Bolywood actress Kajol may lose her place in the Prasar Bharati board over her repeated absence from the meetings of the public broadcaster.

The issue was raised by several agitated members at a recent board meeting after which the Union information and broadcasting ministry is understood to be looking into the matter.

The actress, who has starred in several hit movies like Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge, Yeh Dillagi, Baazigar and Gupt, was appointed to the board as its part-time member in February 2016.

Sources stated that Kajol has missed the last four meetings of the board, making her liable for removal from the position.

“A member is deemed to have vacated office if absent for three consecutive meetings of the board without the consent of the chairman,” sources said.

After the actor’s repeated absence, without permission, was pointed out at the Prasar Bharati board meeting held last week, a report has been sought by the I&B ministry regarding the issue.

Sources stated that the actress may be provided with an opportunity to present her side and also explain her position.

“After receiving a reply, the ministry is expected to take a decision on the issue,” sources added.

Kajol was in the news recently when she sought to clarify to the public that a meat dish, she was photographed eating, was not beef.

Prasar Bharati is an independent body, under the I&B ministry’s administrative jurisdiction, which governs public broadcasters Doordarshan and All-India Radio.

The public broadcaster is governed by a board, which comprises a chairman, an executive member, a member each for finance and personnel matters, six part-time members, I&B ministry’s representative (one) and the DGs of AIR and Doordarshan as ex-officio members.

Members are paid airfare, hotel and travel payment and an allowance for attending the board meetings.