(a) whether the expenditure incurred on expansion and modernisation of Doordarshan
services during the last two years has been static ;
(b) if so, the reasons therefore;
(c) whether 12% of the population in the country is unable to have access to
Doordarshan; and
(d) if so, the steps taken to cover the entire population?
THE MINISTER OF INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING (SMT. SUSHMA SWARAJ)
(a) & (b) : Expenditure of Rs.283.31crores and Rs. 281.89 crore has been incurred
on expansion and modernization of Doordarshan network during 2000-01 and 2001-02
respectively.
(c) & (d) : Though Doordarshan coverage is available in satellite mode throughout
the country, coverage in the terrestrial mode is estimated to be available to about 89.6%
population of the country (including the population in fringe areas). With the
commissioning of on-going schemes, DD coverage is expected to become available to
about 91.3% population. Extension of coverage in terrestrial mode is a capital intensive
venture and its further expansion is dependent on availability of resources and inter-se
priorities.