Question : EARTH MATTER SERIES

(a) whether the Earth Matter series of films produced and screened by DD News Channel has been carved out;

(b) if so, the reasons therefor;

(c) whether the Government are aware that a film on Whales produced by Mike Pandey has been nominated for an Oscar award;

(d) whether this film is to be shown on all the DD and other channels and dubbed in various regional languages;

(e) if so, the details thereof;

(f) whether the Government are also find ways to support the Earth Matters Foundation suitably;
(g) whether Government propose to encourage WWF and PFA; and
(h) if so, the details thereof?

THE MINISTER OF STATE OF THE MINISTRY OF INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING AND MINISTER OF STATE OF THE MINISTRY OF LAW, JUSTICE AND COMPANY AFFAIRS (SHRI ARUN JAITLEY)

(a): No, Sir. Doordarshan news channel has been running a weekly serial on environmental matters, called `Earth Matters` for almost a year. This serial is produced by Mike Pandey.

(b): Does not arise.

(c): Yes, Sir.

(d)&(e): No, Sir. The rights of the aforesaid film are not owned by Doordarshan. The serial (by the same producer) `Earth Matters`, on DD is also being shown on DD-1 & DD-2. If the producer wants he can use these windows show excerpts of the film to DD-viewership.

(f): There is no such proposal.

(g)&(h): Doordarshan airs spots and other programmes contributed on Environmental issues, free of cost.