Question : UPGRADATION OF TRANSMISSION FACILITIES IN BORDER AREAS

(a) whether the Government are considering upgrading transmission facilities in border areas to counter Pakistani anti-India propaganda, especially in Rajasthan, location-wise;

(b) if so, the details thereof and the places where the existing TV transmission kendras are being upgraded;

(c) whether some High Power TV transmission Kendras originally planned in Rajasthan to counter anti-India propaganda were downgraded with limited access to the people of Thar desert resulting their dependence of Pak TV transmission;

(d) if so, whether these TV transmission kendras are also being upgraded to provide access to most of the people of Rajasthan bordering Pakistan; and

(e) if not, the reasons therefor?

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


(a) to (e): A Statement is laid on the Table of the House.


STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (e) OF THE LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION No. 117 REGARDING UPGRADATION OF TRANSMISSION FACILITIES IN BORDER AREAS FOR ANSWER ON 7.3.2002


(a) & (b): Yes, Sir. Upgradation of transmitter facilities in border areas to counter Pakistani propaganda is a continuous process. A special package of Rs. 430 crores to strengthen Radio and TV coverage in the state of J&K and concerned border districts is under implementation. Presently, 30 Doordarshan transmitter projects have been taken up which include 9 projects of upgradation. 8 All India Radio projects have been taken up which include 4 upgradation projects. These projects are under implementation in the border districts, including those in Rajasthan. State- wise details of upgradation projects are given at ANNEXURE.

(c), (d) & (e): Prasar Bharati has informed that pending construction of tower, the HPT at Barmer has been commissioned on 1 KW power, with the help of a temporary mast. Order for supply and erection of permanent tower of 100 M height has been placed. On completion of tower works, commissioning of HPT in Barmer with full power will be possible.