Question : FUNCTIONING OF DDKS AIR STATIONS

(a) the number of All India Radio (AIR) stations and Doordarshan Kendras (DDKs)/ studios functioning in the country, State-wise, AIR/DDK/studio-wise;

(b) whether the Government proposes to establish/set up AIR stations /DDKs and studios in various parts of the country including Bhavnagar district of Gujarat;

(c) if so, the details thereof, State-wise, DDK/Studio/AIR station-wise;

(d) if not, the reasons therefor; and

(e) the other corrective steps taken by the Government for broadcasting coverage of DD/AI programmes all over the country?

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING (DR. S. JAGATHRAKSHAKAN)

(a) Prasar Bharati has informed that presently, broadcasting service of All India Radio (AIR) is being provided from 238 stations across the country whose details are given at Annexure-I. At 41 more places, 100 Watt FM transmitter (Relay) have already been installed and these will be taken into regular service shortly.

At present 66 Doordarshan Kendras (Studio centres) are functioning in the country whose State-wise breakup is given at the Annexure-II

(b) to (d) Yes Sir. As part of approved 10th Plan Continuing scheme in 11th Plan, AIR is setting up FM/ AM stations at 145 more places, including 100 Watt FM Transmitters (Relay) at 100 places (in North East Zone), as per the details given in Annexure-III. In addition, under the New Scheme in the 11th Plan, the installation of FM transmitters at 138 places, including one 100 Watt FM transmitter at Bhavnagar, have been approved. The State-wise details are given in Annexure-IV & V.

As regards Doordarshan, a new Doordarshan Kendra (Studio centre) is under implementation at Tirupati (AP).

(e) All India Radio is improving its coverage & quality in the country by strengthening its network. The following steps are being taken in this regard:

i. The old MW/SW/FM Transmitters which have served their life are being replaced.
ii. The power of the 28 transmitters of AIR is being upgraded in the country during 11th Plan.
iii. Existing compatible MW/SW transmitters are being digitalized.
iv. FM network is being strengthened by installing new FM transmitters in the country.
v. The Production facilities and connectivity are also being digitalized.

AIR is also providing 21 radio channels on Ku band on DD’s Direct plus platform which are available all over India except Andaman & Nicobar Islands.

At present there are 1415 TV transmitters in DD network which provide coverage to about 92% population of the country spread over about 81% area. All the areas uncovered by the terrestrial transmitters along with rest of the country have been provided with multi channel TV coverage through Doordarshan’s free-to-air DTH service, signals of which can be received anywhere in the country with the help of small sized dish receive units. New transmitters for expansion of coverage are now not envisaged.