(a) whether the Government propose to close All India Radio`s regional news units in the
country;
(b) if so, the details therefor particularly in regard to Delhi;
(
(c) the reasons for winding up regional units;
(d) whether news readers of these regional news units have shown resentment against
their transfers and closure of units; and
(e) if so, the reaction of the Government thereto?
THE MINISTER OF INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING (SMT. SUSHMA SWARAJ)
(a), to (e): No, Sir. Regional News Units in State capitals and other important cities are
not being closed. Prasar Bharati has informed that for bringing about improvement in
the quality of news programmes and to provide manpower in regional centres for
operationalising 24-hour FM Radio News Channel, it had decided to shift 8 Indian
Language Units stationed at Delhi to the respective State capitals. However, the matter is
being reconsidered after representations were received against the decision.