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DTH ban temporary, says I&B Minister Reddy

The ban on all direct-to-home services was temporary and it would be lifted once the broadcast authority was constituted, Information and Broadcasting Minister Jaipal Reddy said on Wednesday.

Reddy told mediapersons that once the broadcast authority was formed, the DTH will be permitted through a bidding process. The authority will give licences.

''It will be my endeavour to constitute the authority during this calender year,'' he said.

The government had issued a notification a week ago banning all DTH services until a comprehensive broadcast law could be enacted by Parliament. The notification to ban DTH services was issued by the communication ministry in consultation with the information and broadcasting ministry.

Reddy admitted that the communication ministry had sought the opinion of his ministry before imposing the ban.

The information and broadcasting minister said that if he had his way, he would abolish his ministry.

''I want to see that this ministry (information and broadcasting) withers away,'' he said.

''I am determined to render myself jobless'' was his reply when asked about the role of the ministry after Doordarshan and All India Radio become autonomous from September 15.

He said in most of the countries, the information and broadcasting ministry did not exist.

The minister also justified his stand on implementing the Prasar Bharati Act saying that all steps will be taken to give it more powers.

Earlier report: Pleas challenge notification

UNI