Question : Technical Support for Doordarshan in South India

(a) the steps being taken to strengthen the infrastructural & technical support for Doordarshan Kendras & Stations in South India;
(b) the details of the different transfers, rationalization steps & terminations of staff at different Stations in Tamil Nadu, itemized year-wise and the reasons therefor;
(c) whether camera-persons of different branches in Tamil Nadu have been terminated/transferred/ deputed/assigned to other States and if so, details thereof;
(d) the funds being allocated to the DD Stations in Tamil Nadu itemized year-wise since 2014 and quantum of these funds allocated for the production & promotion of quality programmes in Tamil; and
(e) the steps being taken to strengthen programmes in vernacular languages?

THE MINISTER OF INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING; AND MINISTER OF YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS
(SHRI ANURAG SINGH THAKUR)
(a) Modernization and Upgradation of Doordarshan infrastructure is a continuous process and schemes in this regard are formulated and implemented from time to time.
Central Sector Scheme of Prasar Bharati (for AIR and Doordarshan) “Broadcasting Infrastructure and Network Development”, includes following components modernization (including Digitization), augmentation & replacement of transmitters, satellite broadcast equipment, modernization & digitalization of Studios, expansion of DTH, High Definition TV (HDTV), expansion of TV Channels and augmentation of Civil Infrastructure etc.
Details of modernization and upgradation work carried out in South India, since 2014 are given at Annexure-I.
(b) & (c) The transfers of staff in various cadres/posts are carried out in accordance with Transfer Policy of Prasar Bharati with a view to optimaly utilise manpower as per the operational needs of AIR and DD from time to time in the country including in the State of Tamil Nadu.
Prasar Bharati has re-allocated the posts of Cameraman Grade I and Cameraman Grade II vide its order dated 12.04.2021 this year for managing operational needs of its various DD channels being originated from different parts of the country including “DD Podhigai” from Chennai in the State of Tamil Nadu.
(d) Year-wise fund allocated to the DD Stations in Tamil Nadu since 2014 is attached as per Annexure-II
(e) Prasar Bharati broadcasts programmes on its various AIR channels in 23 languages and 181 dialects across the country. In addition, Prasar Bharati is having 36 DD channels including International, National and Regional Channels telecasting programmes in different vernacular languages.