NEW DELHI: All India Radio earned revenue of Rs 234.67 crore up to October 2014, but its operational costs during 2014-15 up to the same month was Rs 1045.53 crore.

Prasar Bharati sources said there has been some increase in the operational costs 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 AIR was Rs 1702.51 crore as against revenue of just Rs 366.42 crore for 2013-14, while operational cost in 2012-13 was Rs 1522.59 crore as against revenue of Rs 299.37 crore.

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

The sourced added that the pubcaster had been striving hard to maximise revenue generation by adopting measures like aggressive marketing strategy, 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.