(a) whether the Government proposes to install FM radio towers along international borders to counter anti-India propaganda;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) has requested the Government to sanction over two dozen radio FM towers in some selected pockets of the Indo-Nepal border for the purpose;
(d) if so, the details thereof and the response of the Government thereto; and
(e) the time by which the same are likely to be sanctioned and installed?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING
{COL RAJYAVARDHAN RATHORE (Retd.)}
(a) & (b) Yes, Madam. Prasar Bharati has informed that 27 locations at border areas have been approved for installing FM transmitters under the 12th Plan. The details are given at Annexure-A.
(c) to (e) Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) has indicated 27 locations along India-Nepal Border where FM transmitters can be installed by Prasar Bharati. The details of these locations are given at Annexure-B. Prasar Bharati has informed that there is no approved scheme for installation of FM radio towers at the 27 locations identified by SSB. However, as per 12th Plan, 10 kW FM transmitters have been approved to be installed at 8 locations along Indo-Nepal Border areas subject to availability of land. The said scheme may take about three years of time on possession of land.
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