(a) whether about 20 lakh people living in remote areas of the country do not
get Doordarshan channels;
(b) if so, the facts thereof;
(c) whether this is due to lack of funds; and
(d) if so, the steps being taken to provide sufficient funds/subsidy for this
purpose?
THE MINISTER OF INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING (SMT. SUSHMA SWARAJ)
(a) to (d): A Statement is laid on the Table of the House.
STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (d) OF
THE LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION No. 527 REGARDING
T. V. PROGRAMMES FOR REMOTE AND RURAL AREAS FOR
ANSWER ON 2.5.2002.
(a) & (b): TV programmes of all the 22 channels of Doordarshan, in satellite
mode, are available throughout the county and can be received by using
appropriate dish antenna system or through cable network. Two channels
viz. DD1 & DD2 are transmitted in terrestrial mode also. Population-wise
coverage of DD1 & DD2 channels in terrestrial mode is about 90% and
36%, respectively and with the commissioning of on-going projects, this is
expected to increase to about 91% & 46%, respectively.
(c): No, Sir.
(d): Adequate funds have been provided for further expansion of coverage
during 10th plan. Alternative technology options have also been included to
provide coverage to hitherto uncovered areas.