THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Daltonganj, June 7: Local artists in Palamu have alleged that the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and Prasar Bharati provided misleading information to Palamu MP Vishnu Dayal Ram regarding the operational status of the Daltonganj Doordarshan Kendra.
The issue surfaced after local artists approached the MP, claiming that recording activities at the Daltonganj Akashvani (All India Radio) and Doordarshan centres had been suspended for a long time. They urged him to take steps to restore regular operations and provide local artists with opportunities as in the past.
Acting on their concerns, Vishnu Dayal Ram raised the matter in the Lok Sabha. In response, the Ministry reportedly informed the MP that recording activities were being conducted at the Daltonganj Doordarshan centre. The reply also listed several programmes as being produced by the centre.
The Ministry’s response has triggered dissatisfaction among local artists, who contend that the information does not reflect the actual situation on the ground. A delegation of artists subsequently met the MP and demanded an inquiry into the matter.
Those who met the MP included Shishir Kumar Shukla (President, Lok Kala Manch), Umashankar Mishra, Surendra Vishwakarma, Ravindra Tiwari, Sudhir Kumar Dubey, Shivram, Vijay Shankar Mishra, Sonu Mishra, Mahavir Yadav Vyas, Guddu Dubey Vyas, Pramod Thakur, Rupesh Verma, Arshad Jamal, Guddu Manwar, Jama Khan, Upendra Kumar Tiwari Vyas and Chandan Kumar, among others.
Artists Claim Centre Has Been Non-Functional for Years
According to information gathered by local artists, the Daltonganj Doordarshan centre once had a fully functional studio where recordings were regularly conducted, providing a platform for local talent.
However, over time, equipment was reportedly shifted to Ranchi and other centres. Officials who were transferred were allegedly not replaced, leading to a shortage of staff. Artists claim that the centre has effectively remained non-functional for the past several years, with only a small maintenance workforce remaining.
Dispute Over ‘Palamu Darshan’ Production
One of the key points of contention relates to the programme Palamu Darshan.
In its reply, the Ministry reportedly stated that the programme is produced and broadcast from the Daltonganj Doordarshan centre. Artists argue that while the programme covers Palamu and includes participation from local artists, production is actually handled by the Ranchi Doordarshan team.
According to them, the Ranchi team visits Palamu for shooting and then completes production elsewhere. They allege that presenting the programme as being produced at the Daltonganj centre creates a misleading impression about the centre’s operational status.
Claim of OB Van Availability Questioned
Artists have also disputed the Ministry’s reported claim that an Outside Broadcast (OB) Van is available at the Daltonganj centre.
According to them, an OB Van was stationed at the centre in the past but was later scrapped after becoming non-functional.
Akashvani Recordings Continue in Limited Capacity
The Ministry’s statement regarding recording activities at the Akashvani station is considered only partially accurate by local artists.
They claim that music and drama recordings have been discontinued, while recordings for interviews, discussions and other non-performance-based programmes continue at the station.
Questions Raised Over Decline of the Centre
Artists allege that administrative decisions and persistent claims regarding a lack of resources contributed to the gradual decline of the Daltonganj Doordarshan Kendra.
They maintain that these factors eventually led to the closure of programme production and broadcasting activities at the centre.
MP Assures Investigation
Responding to the concerns raised by artists, Palamu MP Vishnu Dayal Ram said he had taken up the issue of restarting the Doordarshan Kendra in the Lok Sabha with the interests of local artists in mind.
“The Ministry has provided its response. Now, artists are claiming that the reply is misleading. The matter will be investigated, and appropriate steps will be taken thereafter,” the MP said.