Prasar Bharati Member Finance: Oversight and Responsibilities
The position of Member (Finance) within Prasar Bharati, India’s public service broadcaster, is a crucial appointment responsible for managing the organization’s financial resources and ensuring fiscal prudence. This role holds significant weight in guiding the financial strategies, budgeting, and resource allocation for both Doordarshan (DD) and All India Radio (AIR).
The Member (Finance) acts as the principal advisor to the Prasar Bharati Board on all financial matters. Their responsibilities encompass a wide range of activities, including:
- Budget Formulation and Management: Spearheading the preparation of annual budgets for Prasar Bharati, DD, and AIR, ensuring alignment with the organization’s objectives and government guidelines. This involves meticulous planning, forecasting revenue streams, and allocating funds across various departments and projects. The Member (Finance) monitors budget implementation, identifies deviations, and recommends corrective actions.
- Financial Control and Accounting: Establishing and maintaining robust financial controls and accounting systems to ensure transparency, accountability, and compliance with relevant regulations. This includes overseeing the preparation of financial statements, managing audits (both internal and external), and ensuring adherence to generally accepted accounting principles.
- Revenue Generation and Resource Mobilization: Exploring avenues for revenue generation through advertising, sponsorships, program sales, and other commercial activities. The Member (Finance) plays a key role in negotiating contracts and agreements, optimizing revenue streams, and diversifying the organization’s funding sources. They also work on accessing grants and financial assistance from the government and other organizations.
- Investment and Asset Management: Managing Prasar Bharati’s investments and assets efficiently and effectively. This includes making informed decisions on capital expenditures, managing property assets, and ensuring optimal returns on investments.
- Financial Compliance and Reporting: Ensuring compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and government guidelines related to finance. This involves timely submission of financial reports to the government, the Prasar Bharati Board, and other relevant stakeholders.
- Advising the Board: Providing expert financial advice to the Prasar Bharati Board on all matters related to finance, including strategic planning, investment decisions, and policy formulation.
The Member (Finance) needs to possess a strong understanding of public sector finance, accounting principles, budgeting practices, and revenue generation strategies. They should have excellent analytical, communication, and negotiation skills. Furthermore, ethical conduct and a commitment to transparency and accountability are paramount for this position.
Given the significant financial challenges faced by public broadcasters globally, the role of the Member (Finance) at Prasar Bharati is increasingly vital. They must navigate the complexities of balancing public service broadcasting objectives with the need for financial sustainability. Their decisions directly impact the quality, reach, and relevance of Doordarshan and All India Radio in serving the diverse audiences of India.