MP Supongmeren Jamir flags ‘alarming’ staff shortage at Akashvani and Doordarshan in Kohima

DIMAPUR — Member of Parliament Supongmeren Jamir has raised concerns over what he described as a serious administrative and staffing crisis at Akashvani Kendra and Doordarshan Kendra in Kohima, urging the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to intervene immediately.

In a submission made under Rule 377 in the Lok Sabha on December 1, Jamir highlighted a substantial gap between sanctioned posts and actual staffing at both public broadcasting units. According to the figures he presented, Akashvani Kendra Kohima has 260 sanctioned posts, of which only 90 are currently filled, leaving 170 vacancies—about 65 per cent. At Doordarshan Kendra Kohima, only 55 posts are occupied out of a sanctioned strength of 144, resulting in 89 vacancies, or around 62 per cent.

According to an update received on Tuesday, he also pointed to the absence of full-time Station Directors at either Kendra, with administrative and operational matters being handled remotely by a Deputy Director General based in Dibrugarh, Assam. Jamir said the arrangement had caused delays in decision-making, programme approvals, and supervision of activities across the state.

The MP stated that the prolonged vacancies and lack of leadership were undermining the mandate of Prasar Bharati to promote Nagaland’s culture, language, and development. He termed the shortage of administrative and technical personnel—including Directors, Deputy Directors, Technical Assistants and Junior Technical Assistants—“unacceptable”.

Also read: Nagaland: School terminates computer assistant over NBSE Class IX question paper leak

Alongtaki Congress alleges discrepancies in sanctioned projects

Jamir urged the ministry to appoint full-time heads of office for both Akashvani and Doordarshan Kendras, expedite recruitment to fill sanctioned posts, and specifically address technical staff requirements at AIR Kohima and the local radio station in Mokokchung.

He assured that he would continue to pursue the matter with the concerned authorities until corrective measures are taken, saying that a fully functioning public broadcasting system is essential for both democratic participation and cultural representation in the state.