Question : FUNCTIONING OF NEW DD AND AIR STATIONS

(a) the number of Doordarshan (DD) and All India Radio (AIR) Stations set up/functional along with their coverage in the country including Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand and Madhya Pradesh, State-wise and location-wise;

(b) the number of people being benefited by these stations, DD and AIR-wise;

(c) whether the Government has received proposals from various States to set up new DD and AIR stations/centres;

(d) if so the details thereof, State-wise and the action taken by the Government thereon;

(e) whether the Government proposes to set up new DD/AIR stations and expand the capacity of existing stations in the country including Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh and Karnataka;

(f) if so, the details thereof, State-wise, location-wise, DD/AIR station-wise; and

(g) the time by which these stations/centres are likely to be set up/start their functioning?

THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS AND INFORMATION & BROADCASTING(SHRI ANAND SHARMA)

(a) & (b) State-wise number of existing Doordarshan (DD) and All India Radio (AIR) Stations and transmitters along with population coverage are given at the Annexure –I & II respectively.

(c) & (d) Requests for setting up of new Doordarshan and AIR stations are received from time to time from various quarters and these are taken into consideration while formulating the plans for expansion of TV/AIR services.

(e) & (f) Projects of new DD and AIR stations and those of augmentation of existing stations presently under implementation, as part of 10th Plan continuing schemes are at Annexure III & IV, respectively.

(g) These stations/transmitters are expected to be completed by the end of 11th Five Year Plan subject to availability of funds & sanction of Operation and Maintenance staff.