New Delhi, Mr Sagar Mukhopadhyay, Chairman, Board of Directors of United News of India (UNI) presided over the Annual General Meeting (AGM) wherein shareholders unanimously voted in favour of resolution appointing Mr Binod Mandal as Director of UNI.
In March 2021, Mr Mandal, was inducted in the Board of UNI as additional director.
The shareholders also approved the Audited Financial Statement for the financial year ended March 31, 2021 and the Reports of the Board of Directors and Auditors thereon.
During the AGM, the Chairman apprised the shareholders of UNI about the plans to revitalize the news agency, which is one of the oldest and prides itself with high degree of credibility.
While introducing Ajay Kaul, the recently-appointed Editor-in-Chief of UNI, to the shareholders, the Chairman informed the meeting about the steps which have been initiated by the new management to make UNI a fiercely competitive news organisation and future ready.
Mr. Mukhopadhyay spoke about how the news and photo services of UNI have witnessed a substantial improvement after the new Editor-in-Chief took charge towards the end of June.
Special focus is being given to social media element of UNI, particularly the Twitter handles of English and Hindi Services which have been made dynamic and robust.
While giving details of these steps, the Chairman apprised the shareholders that a team of enthusiastic, passionate and experienced journalists with forward-looking approach have been hired in the recent weeks to boost the news service.
UNI also has plans to spread its wings overseas, he said.
With regard to the financial problems of the company, it was observed that losses to the company to the tune of multiple crores of rupees have been caused over last several years, possibly deliberately. It hit the operations of the company badly and endangered the livelihood of hundreds of former and present employees.
The stakeholders urged Mr Mukhopadhyay that a probe should be conducted to find out the reasons and ascertain the role of the previous management team, in connivance with the former Chairman of the Board, in the suspected irregularities.
The shareholders pushed for a forensic audit, if deemed necessary, at the earliest so that the perpetrators of such heinous crime can be punished.
He appreciated the efforts initiated to garner more revenues through increased subscriptions and advertisements.
The Chairman expressed confidence that UNI is poised for a resurgence, leveraging on the support of its stakeholders and the Management Team’s ability to expand the scope of business besides boosting the News and Photo services in quality and quantity.