Question : KODAIKANAL RADIO STATION

(a) when Kodaikanal Radio Station in Tamil Nadu has been become fully operational;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) the sanctioned strength of staff of the station, category-wise;

(d) the strength of actually posted staff as of now, category-wise;

(e) whether Kodaikanal Station is mostly relaying the programmes of Madurai Station;

(f) if so, whether it is due to lack of sufficient funds; and

(g) if so, the steps taken by the Government to provide adequate staff and funds to make it independently operational?

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


(a) & (b): AIR, Kodaikanal with 2 x 5 KW FM Transmitter was commissioned into regular service on 1.7.2000. The Radio station is broadcasting two transmissions for a total transmission time of 5 hrs. and 55 minutes. The main language of broadcast is Tamil.

(c) & (d): A total of 3 posts viz. 2 Technician and 1 Helper have been sanctioned for AIR, Kodaikanal. Presently nine personnel (Station Engineer-1, Asstt. Station Engineer-1, Asstt. Station Director-1, Programme Executive-1, Transmission executive-1, Sr. Engineering Asstt.-2, Engineering Assistant-2) are posted there by redeployment from other stations.

(e): No Sir. The hours of relayed programme is only 90 minutes per day.

(f) & (g): Do not arise.