Mohd. Yaseen
The recruitment process for the position of Editorial Executive/ Newsreader-cum-Translator (Dogri) conducted by Prasar Bharati has left many of us questioning the integrity and fairness of the procedures. As a candidate who participated in the recruitment process, I feel compelled to voice my concerns. These concerns go beyond personal grievances-they represent a larger issue that affects the future of the Dogri language and the credibility of institutions responsible for its representation.
As a cultural activist who has long been committed to the promotion and preservation of Dogri, I found myself facing a recruitment process that, in many ways, seemed disconnected from the values it was supposed to uphold. The very language that is dear to millions, that carries the weight of centuries of history, culture, and pride, was reduced to a recruitment formality that, at times, appeared more about appearances than substance.
Having participated in the written examination, voice test, and interview for the role, it became evident that there were several aspects of the process that raised questions. One of the most glaring concerns was the lack of transparency in the setting of the question paper. How can candidates trust a recruitment process when the very foundation of the examination is shrouded in secrecy? Who was responsible for crafting the question paper, and what measures were in place to ensure its integrity? These are questions that, to this day, remain unanswered.
It is obvious that the content of the question paper was, at many places, a clear violation of the AIR Code and the policies of the public broadcaster. The question paper, which was meant to assess the capabilities of the candidates, seemed to be entirely unaware of the principles that guide a public broadcaster like Akashvani. This oversight is deeply concerning, as it compromises the integrity of the recruitment process and raises doubts about the qualifications of those who prepared it. Furthermore, the interview process also left much to be desired. The Dogri language is not just a medium of communication-it’s a vessel of cultural expression. Therefore, when a recruitment process involves evaluating candidates’ proficiency in Dogri, it is vital that the panel comprises qualified language experts who truly understand the nuances and depth of the language. However, there was no clarity on who the language experts on the panel were, or what criteria were used to select them. This lack of transparency in the selection process calls into question the fairness of the entire recruitment.
Another issue that has raised concerns is the method used to communicate the results of the recruitment process. Informal channels like WhatsApp were used to notify candidates about their selection status. While technology can be a useful tool, relying on informal platforms to announce the outcomes of an official recruitment process undermines its seriousness. It is crucial that results of such significance are communicated through formal, professional channels such as official emails or letters. The use of WhatsApp, particularly with delayed notifications for non-selected candidates, created confusion and undermined the transparency of the process. It is also worth mentioning that candidates who were selected were informed two or three days in advance, while those who were not selected were only notified later through WhatsApp. This delay and the inconsistency in communication further fuel suspicions of a lack of fairness and transparency.
It is my belief that the issues I’ve raised are not merely procedural shortcomings-they represent a deeper systemic problem within the recruitment process. The credibility of an institution like Prasar Bharati, which is responsible for representing India’s cultural diversity, depends on the transparency and fairness of its recruitment processes. If we cannot trust these processes, then the entire foundation on which such institutions are built is at risk.
In the case of Dogri language representation, this is even more critical. Dogri is not just another language-it’s the heart and soul of millions of people from the Duggar region. Its preservation and promotion are of utmost importance, and it is disheartening to see a recruitment process that seems to overlook the language’s cultural significance. The selection of candidates with little to no experience in the field, possibly based on favoritism or connections, is an injustice to those who have spent years honing their skills and contributing to the growth of the language and its cultural landscape.
I am not alone in raising these concerns. Several respected individuals and organizations, including Adv. Dogra Harish Kaila, President of Nami Dogri Sanstha, have expressed similar grievances. It is essential for institutions like Prasar Bharati to realize the implications of such decisions. When qualified, experienced individuals are overlooked in favor of unqualified candidates, it sends a damaging message to the larger community. It implies that merit takes a backseat to personal connections or favoritism-a practice that must not be allowed to continue.
It is time for Prasar Bharati, and other similar institutions, to recognize that the future of regional languages like Dogri lies in the hands of those who genuinely care for their preservation. Fairness, transparency, and merit must guide every decision, especially when it comes to recruitment for roles that directly affect the language’s representation in the media.
To restore the trust of the public and the candidates involved, I have taken the step of filing an RTI (PRBHA/R/E/24/01019) seeking clarity on the recruitment process. I believe that only through transparency can we rebuild faith in the system and ensure that similar issues do not arise in the future. This is not about questioning the outcomes of the recruitment-this is about ensuring that the process is fair, transparent, and in line with the values that Dogri represents. Prasar Bharati has a responsibility not only to the candidates but also to the language and the people it serves. Dogri is not just a linguistic medium-it is a representation of a people’s identity, history, and culture. If we want to ensure that Dogri continues to thrive, we must demand a recruitment process that reflects the dignity and respect this language deserves. The preservation and promotion of Dogri language cannot be left to chance or the whims of a few. It is a collective responsibility-of cultural organizations, language experts, the media, and the people of the Duggar region. Institutions like Prasar Bharati must play an active role in this by ensuring that their recruitment processes are not only transparent but also aligned with the cultural importance of the languages they represent.
If we are to protect the future of Dogri, we must start by demanding accountability and fairness in every step of the recruitment process. Only then can we be sure that the language and its people are truly being given the respect they deserve.
(The writer is a National Scholarship and Fellowship holder from the Ministry of Culture, Government of India)