Question : AIR STATIONS

(

(a) the number of All India Radio Stations in the country and the expenditure incurred on each station during each of the last three years and the amount earmarked for 2001-2002, State-wise;

(b) whether the Government have any plan for the self-earning of AIR so as to reduce the huge expenditure by the Government;

(c) if so, the details thereof;

(d) whether the number of listeners are very low for most of the AIR programmes and the proportion of the staff strength is larger than the resources;

(e) if so, the concrete measures being initiated by the Government in this regard; and

(f) if not, the justification therefor?

THE MINISTER OF INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING (SMT. SUSHMA SWARAJ)

(a): Information is being collected and will be laid on the Table of the House.

(b)&(c): Yes, Sir. Prasar Bharati is making efforts to earn revenue by offering its infrastructure to IGNOU/Private broadcasters on licence fee basis, providing turn-key consultancy, installation services and archival material, etc.

(d) to (f): Information is being collected and will be laid on the Table of the House.