Executive Summary:
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has implemented several initiatives since 2014 to strengthen broadcasting, public access, and digital governance. These initiatives aim to increase public engagement, transparency, and accessibility of information across India. Key projects include digital platforms, expansion of radio services, and a fact-checking unit.
Key Points / Main Content:
Digital Platforms:
* NaViGate Bharat Portal: Provides unified access to 1000 Government of India videos, enabling users to search, stream, download, and share content.
* Press Sewa Portal: Streamlines the registration of periodicals and newspapers via a transparent, single-window platform under the Press and Registration of Periodicals Act 2023.
* Transparent Empanelment System: The Central Bureau of Communication (CBC) implemented an online Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) module for empanelment, ensuring transparency and efficiency.
* WAVES OTT Platform: Launched in 2024 by Prasar Bharati, this platform aggregates infotainment content, making information, education, and culture accessible.
Broadcasting Initiatives:
* DD Free Dish: Offers free-to-air television channels without subscription costs, providing access to news, information, and educational programming, particularly in rural areas.
* Community Radio Station (CRS): Supported grassroots broadcasting with the launch of India's 500th CRS in July 2024, increasing sanctioned stations from 179 in 2014 to 540.
* Expansion of Private FM: Auctioned 730 FM channels in 234 cities under Phase III, growing local radio, creating jobs, supporting regional culture, and increasing women's participation.
Countering Misinformation:
* Fact Check Unit (FCU): Established under the Press Information Bureau, the FCU counters misinformation related to Government of India matters, especially on social media, with proactive roles during Operation Sindoor and the Covid-19 pandemic.
Impact Analysis:
Citizens (Urban and Rural):
Impact: Increased access to government information, educational content, and diverse media channels. Enhanced transparency and reduced impediments in accessing services.
Action Required: Utilize the platforms and services provided to stay informed and participate in public discourse.
Media Organizations (Newspapers, Periodicals, Radio Stations):
Impact: Streamlined registration processes, increased opportunities for private FM radio expansion, and potential for collaboration with government initiatives.
Action Required: Utilize the Press Sewa Portal for registration, participate in FM channel auctions, and adhere to guidelines for broadcasting and content dissemination.
Government (Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Prasar Bharati, Central Bureau of Communication, Press Information Bureau):
Impact: Improved efficiency in media management, enhanced transparency in administrative processes, and strengthened ability to disseminate information and counter misinformation.
Action Required: Maintain and update digital platforms, continue supporting community radio stations, and proactively address misinformation through the Fact Check Unit.
Key Entities Referenced
DD Free Dish: India's only Free-to-Air Direct-To-Home (DTH) service.
Ministry of Information and Broadcasting: The Indian government ministry responsible for information dissemination and broadcasting policy.
Shri Ganesh Singh: Member of Parliament who raised the unstarred question.
Dr. L. Murugan: The Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting; and Parliamentary Affairs.
NaViGate Bharat Portal: A unified video portal providing access to Government of India videos.
Press Sewa Portal: A digital platform for registration of periodicals and newspapers, implemented under the Press and Registration of Periodicals Act 2023.
Transparent Empanelment System: An end-to-end digital Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) module implemented by Central Bureau of Communication (CBC) for online empanelment.
WAVES OTT platform: A multigenre digital streaming aggregator platform by Prasar Bharati providing infotainment content.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 567
(TO BE ANSWERED ON 23.07.2025)
ACHIEVEMENTS IN THE FIELD OF COMMUNICATION, BROADCASTING AND
DIGITAL AWARENESS
†567. SHRI GANESH SINGH:
Will the Minister of INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING be pleased to state:
a) the details of major achievements made by the Government in the field of communication,
broadcasting and digital awareness since 2014 to till date;
b) whether these achievements have made any concrete impact to encourage Right to
Information and people’s participation especially in rural areas and if so, the details thereof;
and
c) whether the Government has achieved any significant outcomes to strengthen transparency
in media and administrative efficiency by using digital tools like NaViGate Bharat, Press
Sewa Portal and Transparent Empanelment System and if so, the details thereof?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING; AND
PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS
[DR. L. MURUGAN]
(a) to (c): Since 2014, the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting has implemented a series of
transformative initiatives aimed at strengthening broadcasting, public access and digital
governance across the country.
These reforms have played a crucial role in increasing public engagement and participation, with
potential applications in both urban and rural settings. This has ensured greater transparency and
accessibility of information.Key initiatives, along with their respective impacts and outcomes, is as under:
i. NaViGate Bharat Portal: The NaViGate Bharat is a unified video portal providing access
to 1000+ Government of India videos under a single interactive platform. It allows users to
search, stream, download, and share videos seamlessly. This further ensures enhanced
transparency and easier access to official content.
ii. Press Sewa Portal: It is a digital platform implemented under the amended Press and
Registration of Periodicals Act 2023. It streamlines the registration of periodicals/
newspapers via a transparent single-window platform, reducing official impediments and
enabling time-bound processing.
iii. Transparent Empanelment System: Central Bureau of Communication (CBC) has
implemented an end-to-end digital Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) module. As part of
this, the empanelment process is now entirely online ensuring transparency and efficiency.
iv. WAVES OTT platform: Launched in 2024 by Prasar Bharati, WAVES is a multi-genre
digital streaming aggregator platform providing infotainment content. It plays a key role in
making information, education, and culture easily available to everyone.
v. DD Free Dish: As the country’s only Free-to-Air Direct-To-Home (DTH) service, DD Free
Dish offers a range of television channels without subscription costs. By serving Indian
audiences, including a significant rural viewership, it contributes to wider access to news,
information and educational programming.
vi. Community Radio Station (CRS): The launch of India’s 500th Community Radio Station
in July 2024 marks continued efforts to support grassroots broadcasting and local
engagement. There has been a substantial increase in the number of sanctioned CRSs from
179 stations in 2014 to 540 stations presently.
vii. Expansion of Private FM: Under Phase III of Private FM Radio expansion, the Government
has auctioned 730 FM channels in 234 cities. This has helped grow local radio, create jobs,
support regional culture, and increase income and women’s participation.
viii. Fact Check Unit (FCU): The FCU, established under Press Information Bureau, counters
misinformation related to Government of India matters, especially on social media platforms.
FCU has played a proactive role during Operation Sindoor and Covid-19 pandemic.
*****