Panel formed to probe procurement of equipment, technology by NTV

KATHMANDU: The Ministry of Communication and Information Technology has formed a four-member committee to investigate procurement processes related to equipment and technology purchased by the public service broadcaster Nepal Television at various times.

According to the ministry, the committee was formed under a ministerial decision taken on June 17.

The panel, chaired by Dr Sudip Bhattarai, has been asked to study complaints, reports and public concerns related to the procurement of equipment, software and digital systems by Nepal Television and submit a report with recommendations within 21 days.

It has also been asked to conduct a detailed review of several major procurements, including graphics systems, new media (digital platform) services, audio-video equipment, digital transmitters and the playout automation system purchased for the Itahari channel.

Questions have been raised in recent years over transparency and compliance with legal procedures in various procurement processes carried out by Nepal Television as part of efforts to modernize its technology and broadcasting systems.

The ministry had earlier formed a separate probe committee to study the issues related to the procurement of satellite bandwidth by the public service broadcaster.