(a) whether inhabitants of border region of Laddakh have been denied viewing of Doordarshan Channels;
(b) if so, whether the Chinese Government on Indo-Tibet border has started telecasting their programmes to launch a propoganda campaign;
(c) if so, whether the Government proposes to establish very Low Power Transmitters (VLPTs) or make alternative arrangements so that people in Laddakh have access to view Doordarshan; and
(d) if so, the details thereof?
THE MINISTER OF INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING AND PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (SHRI P. R. DASMUNSI)
(a) & (b) : No, Sir. There is no report about availability of terrestrial signals of Chinese TV in Ladakh region. However, it is reported that some cable operators in the region are distributing Chinese TV programmes through their cable networks.
(c) & (d) : Multi channel TV coverage has been provided in the entire country (except A&N Islands) through Doordarshan’s Ku-band (free to air DTH ) service. It is possible to receive DTH signals anywhere in the country, including Ladakh region of J&K, with the help of a small sized dish receive units. Hence new transmitters are now not contemplated. Thirty three TV transmitters (HPT-1, LPTs-2, VLPTs-30) are presently functioning in Ladakh region.