(a) whether there is any plan to start another satelite channel for Doordarshan in North-East; and
(b) if so, the time by which it is likely to commence and the funds earmarked for the same ?
(a) whether there is any plan to start another satelite channel for Doordarshan in North-East; and
(b) if so, the time by which it is likely to commence and the funds earmarked for the same ?
THE MINISTER OF INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING AND PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (SHRI P. R. DASMUNSI)
(a) Yes, Sir.
(b) Doordarshan is likely to set up uplinking facility for 2 new NE channels in about a year and a half. These would, however, commence when adequate number of suitable programmes are ready. Rs.2.79 crores and Rs.0.71 crore have been earmarked for the launch of these channels and their inclusion in Ku-Band, respectively, under the North-East Special Package Phase-II, which was approved in May, 2006.