(a) whether the Government is planning to introduce Science Channels and 24/7 Science Channels across the country;
(b) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor;
(c) whether it is also true that an agreement has been signed with the concerned in this regard; and
(d) if so, the details thereof?
MINISTER OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, MINISTER OF EARTH SCIENCES AND MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE
(DR. HARSH VARDHAN)
(a) The Government of India has launched two science communication initiatives; DD Science and India Science channels on 15 January 2019 at New Delhi to popularize science & technology in India.
(b) DD Science is a one-hour programme slot on Doordarshan National Channel. The programmes are telecast from Monday to Saturday from 5 pm to 6 pm. It is an initiative of the Department of Science & Technology, Government of India, implemented and managed by Vigyan Prasar in collaboration with Doordarshan, Prasar Bharati. DD Science programmes can be accessed on any DTH platforms.
India Science (www.indiascience.in) is an internet based Science TV channel initiated by the Department of Science & Technology and implemented and managed by Vigyan Prasar. India Science is a bilingual channel in English & Hindi. It can be accessed on any Internet-enabled device like laptop, Desktop, Smart phone and Smart TV etc. The India Science Mobile Apps can be downloaded from the Google Play Store and Apple Store.
(c) Yes, Madam.
(d) A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) has been signed between Doordarshan, Prasar Bharati and Vigyan Prasar, (an autonomous organization of Department of Science and Technology) on 15 January 2019.
The Documentaries produced and provided by Vigyan Prasar under this MOU aim at informing and educating the target group of audience through terrestrial and satellite networks and channels of Doordarshan (DD).
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