NEW DELHI: Doordarshan earned revenue of Rs 525.09 crore up to October 2014, but its operational costs during 2014-15 up to the same month was Rs 1169.58 crore.

According to Prasar Bharati sources there has been some increase in the operational cost of Doordarshan due to various factors such as hike in salary, widening the eligibility for air travel entitlement, payment of tuition fee, leave encashment with LTC, Modified Assured Career Progression, etc. in the wake of implementation of recommendations of the Sixth Central Pay Commission.

The operational cost of DD was Rs 1945.84 crore as against revenue of Rs 1145.44 crore for 2013-14, while the operational cost was Rs 1883.19 crore as against revenue of Rs 1138.23 crore in 2012-13.

Sources informed Indiantelevision.com that Prasar Bharati strictly follows austerity measures and other economy instructions issued by the Finance Ministry from time to time for reducing operating expenses.

The source added that the pubcaster had been striving hard to maximise revenue generation by adopting measures like aggressive marketing strategy, appropriate utilisation of spare infrastructure available with DD, content improvement, introduction of Direct To Home (DTH) services, sharing of towers etc.

In accordance with a Cabinet approval on 14 September 2012, the Government agreed to provide 100 per cent expenses towards salary and salary related expenses during the years from 2012-13 to 2016-17.