Government has approved Central Sector Broadcasting Infrastructure and Network Development (BIND) Scheme with an outlay of over 2539 crore rupees up to 2025-26
The Government has approved Central Sector Broadcasting Infrastructure and Network Development (BIND) Scheme with an outlay of over 2539 crore rupees up to 2025-26.
Briefing reporters in New Delhi, Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Singh Thakur said, the scheme will financially support Prasar Bharati in the expansion and upgradation of its broadcasting infrastructure, content development, and civil works. He said, the scheme will widen the reach in Left Wing Extremism, border, and strategic areas.
Mr. Thakur said, this will also provide high-quality content to viewers. He retreated the Government’s commitment to the development, modernisation, and strengthening of Doordarshan and Aakashvani infrastructure and services. Mr. Thakur said, the FM Coverage of AIR will be increased and it will cover more than 80 per cent of the country’s population.
Our correspondent reports that Prasar Bharati, as the public broadcaster of the country, is the most important vehicle of information, education, entertainment and engagement for the people, especially in the remote areas of the country.
The two wings of Prasar Bharti All India Radio and Doordarshan will be immensaly benefitted with this decision. Doordarshan operates 36 TV channels including 28 regional channels and All India Radio runs more than five hundred broadcasting centres. Through this scheme, OB vans will be purchased and digital upgradation of DD and AIR Studios will be done, to make them High Definition ready.
Eight lakh DD Free Dish, DTH Set Top Boxes will be distributed to people living in remote, tribal, Left Wing Extremism, border areas, and aspirational districts under the scheme.
The Project for modernization and augmentation of broadcast infrastructure will generate indirect employment by way of manufacturing and services related to supply and installation of broadcast equipments.