The Standing Committee on State Structure discussed the proposed 2012 budget for the second time on Wednesday, and funding for Mongolian National Public Radio and Television (MNPRT) was a hot topic.

R.Rash said MNPRT is underfunded in the budget, since the broadcaster needs technical upgrades amounting to MNT 7.3 billion, but the current allotment is just MNT 1.3 billion.
E.Bat-Uul supported the suggestion and said that MNPRT should be upgraded, since much of its technology is outdated and many Mongolian people depend on the service.

But some MPs opposed the increase because MNPRT carries commercial advertisements while still taking money from the state. Some MPs also complained that the broadcaster’s news programs are not balanced, and that the service is overstaffed, with some 1,000 employees. The MPs pointed out that other broadcasters do a better job than MNPRT despite having many fewer employees.

Ultimately, however, the committee decided to increase funding for MNPRT to MNT 8.6 billion.

The committee also discussed the 2012 salary and pension increases, with Finance Minister S.Bayartsogt saying the increases will be implemented in two stages.