**Policy Summary: AIR Centre in Meerut**
This document summarizes the Indian Ministry of Information and Broadcasting's response to a parliamentary question regarding the All India Radio (AIR) Akashvani centre in Meerut. The question, posed on July 23, 2025, inquired about the status of local programming at the Meerut AIR station, which was inaugurated in 2019 with the stated objective of showcasing the culture, economy, and social life of the region.
The response from the Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs, Dr. L. Murugan, clarifies that a 10 kW FM relay station of AIR was commissioned in Meerut on March 6, 2019. Currently, the station relays the FM Rainbow channel from Akashvani Delhi.
While the Meerut station does not produce local programming, the Ministry emphasizes that listeners in Meerut and surrounding areas have access to a broad range of AIR content through other platforms. Specifically, over 260 Akashvani channels, including FM Rainbow, Vividh Bharati, FM Gold, and 15 regional stations from Uttar Pradesh with studio facilities, are available via the NewsOnAIR mobile app and website. Furthermore, 48 Akashvani channels are accessible free-of-charge through DD Free Dish, extending reach to remote and rural areas. The response does not specify plans to commence local program production at the Meerut center.
Key Entities Referenced
All India Radio Akashvani: A radio broadcasting service in India, also referred to as AIR.
Meerut, Uttar Pradesh: A city in the state of Uttar Pradesh, where the AIR centre in question is located.
Ministry of Information and Broadcasting: The Indian government ministry responsible for information dissemination and broadcasting regulations.
Lok Sabha: The lower house of the Parliament of India, where the question about the AIR centre was raised.
SHRI ARUN GOVIL: Member of Parliament who raised the unstarred question regarding the AIR centre in Meerut.
FM Rainbow: A frequency modulation radio channel of Akashvani Delhi that is relayed by the Meerut station.
Akashvani Delhi: The All India Radio station located in Delhi, whose programs are currently being relayed by the Meerut centre.
Uttar Pradesh: A state in India which houses 15 regional Akashvani stations with studio facilities.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 598
(TO BE ANSWERED ON 23.07.2025)
AIR CENTRE IN MEERUT
598. SHRI ARUN GOVIL:
Will the Minister of INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING be pleased to
state:
(a) whether it is a fact that the All India Radio (Akashvani) centre was
inaugurated in the year 2019 on Parikshitgarh Road in Meerut
metropolis with a view to showcase the cultural and folk art, economy,
politics and social life of Meerut through said station and farmers,
industries, artists, poets etc. will also get a chance to showcase their
art and the programmes will be made at local level;
(b) whether it is also a fact that during the last six years, said centre is
relaying the programmes of Delhi centre only and no programmes are
being made there at local level;
(c) whether the Government has any plan for programme production in
the Meerut centre at Akashvani; and
(d) if so, the time by which the production of programmes are likely to
be commenced in the Meerut centre at local level?ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING
AND PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS
(DR. L. MURUGAN)
(a) to (d): A 10 kW FM relay station of All India Radio (AIR) was
commissioned at Meerut on 6th March, 2019. The station presently
relays the FM Rainbow channel of Akashvani Delhi. However, listeners
in Meerut and its adjoining areas benefit from a wide range of AIR
content through multiple platforms.
Over 260 Akashvani channels, including FM Rainbow, Vividh Bharati,
FM Gold, and 15 regional stations from Uttar Pradesh having studio
facilities, are available through the ‘NewsOnAIR’ mobile app and
website.
Moreover, 48 Akashvani channels are also accessible free-of-cost via
DD Free Dish, ensuring reach even in remote and rural areas.
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