Question : AIR Transmission in the Country

(a) whether the Government has conducted any study to monitor the functioning of All India Radio (AIR) in the country, if so, the details thereof;
(b) if so, the details thereof along with the radio stations that are working under AIR as of now, State-wise;
(c) the total asset under AIR control;
(d) whether the Government is contemplating any upgrade in content so as to enhance competitiveness with other private channels, if so, the details thereof; and
(e) the number of employees that are working in AIR as of now, State/UT-wise?

THE MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE; AND MINISTER OF INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING
(SHRI PRAKASH JAVADEKAR)

(a): Government had constituted a committee under the chairmanship of Dr. Sam Pitroda to review the functioning of Prasar Bharati. The Committee gave various recommendations in its report of 24.01.2014 on matters such as governance, human resource, content, technology, etc. which are available on the website of the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting. These recommendations were considered by the Government and an Action Taken Report (ATR) has been finalized.
(b): Prasar Bharati has informed that presently, 479 radio stations are working under AIR, State-wise details are given at Annexure-I.
(c): AIR is in possession of immovable property (land) at 551 locations across the country.
(d): Continuous steps are taken for improvement in the content and presentation format of the programmes with the objective to meet the needs and aspirations of the audience. These inter-alia include, use of latest broadcast and transmission technology in programme production, changes based on feedback of the audience, introducing special programmes for targetted audience, synergizing programmes with audience research and marketing units and availability of AIR Stations on social media and mobile apps.
(e): 12441 employees are working in AIR as on 01.07.2019, State/UT-wise details are given in Annexure-II.
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