Jammu, 1st October, 2025:Nami Dogri Sanstha (NDS) has expressed serious concern over alleged misuse of funds, irregularities in translation, and lapses in the broadcast of the Dogri version of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Mann Ki Baat.
The organisation has demanded a fair investigation and a forensic audit after an RTI reply from Akashvani Jammu, dated September 23, 2025, failed to provide clear information, raising more questions than answers.The RTI was filed by Mohd Yaseen, a young cultural enthusiast, scholar, fellow and activist, who had sought details about the Dogri translation, including the names of approved translators, criteria of selection, officers responsible for review, casual announcers engaged, initiatives taken for smooth broadcast, and the exact payments made.
In its reply, Akashvani Jammu admitted that no translation panel exists, that only one casual announcer has been engaged on an ad-hoc basis, and avoided answering the crucial question of payments by terming it “unspecific.”Reacting strongly, NDS president Dogra Harish Kaila said, “Stop playing with the Prime Minister ji’s programme.
I am shocked to know that Akashvani Jammu has not provided details of amounts paid for the Dogri version of Mann Ki Baat. If such negligence continues, the big lock may come to the doors of Akashvani Jammu.”Kaila termed the approach of Akashvani Jammu as a “betrayal of the Dogri-speaking population” and “an insult to the very essence of Mann Ki Baat.” He said avoiding accountability has only deepened suspicions of mismanagement, financial irregularities and discrimination against Dogri.
At the same time, Kaila congratulated Mohd Yaseen for taking up the issue through RTI, calling it an example of using the powerful medium of the pen for society’s benefit. He noted that Yaseen, being a freelance writer, has consistently stood firm on issues of public concern and has always spoken for the dignity of Dogri language and Dogra identity.
The Sanstha has urged the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting and Prasar Bharati to intervene immediately, order a forensic audit of all records related to the Dogri version of Mann Ki Baat, and bring the truth about panels, procedures and payments before the public.Concluding firmly, Kaila said, “This is not just about one programme, it is about the honour of Dogri language and Dogra identity. Our struggle will continue until Dogri gets its rightful place.”