Babus switch to reality TV for ideas

Union ministeries and institutions, which are often perceived as boring and uninspiring, are now banking on a trusted formula to hook people back to their style of functioning - reality TV shows. Prasad Nichenametla writes.

Union ministeries and institutions, which are often perceived as boring and uninspiring, are now banking on a trusted formula to hook people back to their style of functioning - reality TV shows.

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The popularity of shows such as Bigg Boss and Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC) has forced them to do a rethink. Several government bodies are planning to start their own reality TV shows. The motive: Make people aware of the government's work agenda. Such shows will also ensure the target groups are involved in government's functioning. Sample this: The ministry of rural development is working on a quiz show for elected panchayat representatives on the lines of KBC. The show, with Rs 1-crore prize money, will have four-member panchayat teams taking on questions about rural development.

"Each winning member would get Rs 4 lakh and the remaining Rs 84 lakh would be given as a development fund for their area," said an official. The ministry is now hunting for a celebrity anchor. A show on innovations is also on the cards. "We thought of creating some excitement," said Kiran Karnik, member of the National Innovation Council, which is planning the show.

Filmmaker Shekhar Kapur has been given charge of the show.