**Executive Summary**
This document discusses the Government's efforts to strengthen last-mile outreach for disaster alerts and welfare schemes through Prasar Bharati. It highlights initiatives such as expanding DD FreeDish, focusing on public-information programming, strengthening digital access, and launching the WAVES OTT platform. It also mentions the Common Alerting Protocol (CAP) implemented by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA). This information was shared in Lok Sabha by Dr. L. Murugan on December 10, 2023.
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **Disaster Alert System:**
* NDMA has implemented the CAP-based Integrated Alert System for geo-targeted dissemination of disaster alerts.
* Alerts are issued in regional languages through SMS, mobile apps, the SACHET portal, GAGAN/NaVIC satellite terminals, and RSS feeds.
* **Expanding Outreach through Prasar Bharati:**
* DD FreeDish expansion: Provides nationwide coverage, including rural and border areas, with all Doordarshan channels, 48 Akashvani channels, select private channels, and 260+ educational channels.
* Focused public-information programming on Doordarshan and DD News.
* Strengthening digital access: Prasar Bharati utilizes social media and the 'NewsOnAir' app.
* WAVES OTT platform launched: Provides live streaming of Doordarshan and Akashvani channels.
* **Operational Akashvani FM Stations:**
* Five Akashvani FM stations are operational in Kosi and Purnia divisions: Bathnaha (Araria), Katihar, Kishanganj, Purnia and Saharsa.
**Impact Analysis**
**Citizens in Rural & Border Regions**
* **Impact:** Improved access to disaster alerts and information about welfare schemes through various multimedia platforms.
* **Action Required:** Download and use the NewsOnAir app and utilise DD FreeDish.
**Prasar Bharati (Doordarshan and Akashvani)**
* **Impact:** Increased responsibility in disseminating government information and disaster alerts. Expansion of services on multiple platforms including DD FreeDish and the new WAVES OTT platform.
* **Action Required:** Ensure programming and content are aligned with the government's objectives of informing citizens about welfare schemes and disaster preparedness.
**National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA)**
* **Impact:** Increased reach and effectiveness in disseminating disaster alerts.
* **Action Required:** Continue strengthening community preparedness through awareness initiatives.
Key Entities Referenced
Prasar Bharati: India's public broadcaster, including Doordarshan and Akashvani, used to disseminate welfare schemes and disaster alerts.
DD FreeDish: Direct to Home (DTH) platform used for nationwide coverage, including rural and border areas, carrying Doordarshan and Akashvani channels.
Akashvani: Radio broadcasting service of Prasar Bharati. Strengthening access through digital platforms such as 'NewsOnAir' app.
WAVES OTT: OTT platform launched by Prasar Bharati for live streaming of Doordarshan and Akashvani channels.
National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA): Implemented the Common Alerting Protocol (CAP) based Integrated Alert System for geo-targeted dissemination of disaster alerts.
Ministry of Information & Broadcasting
Govt Strengthens Last-Mile Outreach for Disaster
Alerts and Welfare Schemes Through Prasar
Bharati
Disaster Alerts to Citizens Now Delivered in Regional
Languages Using Multimedia Approach
WAVES OTT, DD FreeDish and Akashvani Expand Access to
Welfare Schemes in Rural & Border Regions
प्रव तथ: 10 DEC 2025 4:08PM by PIB Delhi
The Government recognises the importance of dissemination of welfare schemes, public advisories and
disaster-related information, particularly in rural, remote and border regions.
Through its public broadcaster Prasar Bharati (Doordarshan and Akashvani), the Government ensures
wide outreach using FM/MW/SW radio networks, terrestrial TV transmitters, DD FreeDish, digital
platforms and mobile applications.
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), under the Ministry of Home Affairs, has
implemented the Common Alerting Protocol (CAP) based Integrated Alert System for geo-targeted
dissemination of disaster alerts.
The alerts are issued in regional languages through SMS, mobile apps, the SACHET portal,
GAGAN/NaVIC satellite terminals and RSS feeds.
Additionally, NDMA is strengthening community preparedness through extensive awareness initiatives
using electronic and print media, regional-language content, outreach vans, and street plays.
To further strengthen last-mile delivery, the Government has taken the following measures:
Expansion through DD FreeDish: Direct to Home (DTH) platform providing nationwide coverage,
including rural and border areas. It carries all Doordarshan channels, 48 Akashvani channels, select
private channels and 260+ educational channels.
Focused public-information programming: Doordarshan and DD News broadcast dedicated
programmes, documentaries and reports on Government schemes and disaster advisories through
daily bulletins and shows such as Charcha Mein, Aapda Ka Samna, Cabinet Ke Bade Faisle and
Cyber Alert.
Strengthening digital access: Prasar Bharati uses its social media outreach to disseminate
information. 260+ Akashvani stations are also available on the ‘NewsOnAir’ app on Android and
iOS.
WAVES OTT platform: Prasar Bharati has launched WAVES, which provides live streaming of
Doordarshan and Akashvani channels, along with selected private news and entertainment channels,further widening access for citizens
The following Five Akashvani FM stations are currently operational in Kosi and Purnia divisions:
Sl. No. Locations of Station District Division
1 Bathnaha (10 kW) Araria Purnia
2 Katihar (100 W) Katihar Purnia
3 Kishanganj (100 W) Kishanganj Purnia
4 Purnia (10 kW) Purnia Purnia
5 Saharsa (100 W) Saharsa Kosi
Dr. L. Murugan, Minister of State for Information & Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs, shared this
information in the Lok Sabha today in response to a question raised by Shri Rajesh Ranjan.
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Mahesh Kumar
(रलीज़ आईडी: 2201503) आगंतुक पटल : 249
इस वज्ञ को इन भाषाओ ंम पढ़: ही , Urdu , Punjabi , Telugu