Question : POLICY FOR AKASHWANI AND DOORDARSHAN KENDRAS



(a) whether the Government has any policy for setting up of Akashwani/ Doordarshan Kendras in the country;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) the details of the channels broadcast on the Akashwani and Doordarshan Kendras in the country, channel-wise;

(d) the details of those States including Orissa where Doordarshan and Akashwani programmes are not yet covered, State –wise and Union territory-wise;

(e) the details of upgradation and modernisation works carried out for Doordarshan and Akashwani stations in the country during each of the last three years, till date, State-wise and location-wise; and

(f) the steps taken/proposed to be taken by the Government in this regard?

Answer given by the minister


THE MINISTER OF INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING AND PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (SHRI P. R. DASMUNSI)

(a&b) Establishment of Radio Stations and Doordarshan Kendras is governed by the following parameters:

(i) At state capitals to provide regional programming in the language of the respective States,

(ii) at selected places of cultural importance and

(iii) at selected relay centres to cater to local needs of peculiar distinct population groups.
(c) Details of the Akashwani and Doordarshan channels are given at Annexure-I and Annexure-II respectively.

(d) Doordarshan and Akashwani programmes are available throughout the country (except Andaman and Nicobar Islands) through Doordarshan’s free-to-air Direct to Home (DTH) service ‘DD-Direct Plus’. In addition, programmes are also relayed through transmitters.

(e) The details of upgradation and modernization works carried out by Doordarshan and Akashwani stations during the last three years are given at Annexure-III and Annexure-IV respectively.

(f) Schemes for upgradation/modernization of Radio Stations and Doordarshan Kendras are formulated and implemented from time to time, subject to availability of funds and sanction of Operation and Maintenance staff.