**Policy Summary: All India Radio (AIR) Centre in Meerut**
This document addresses Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No. 598 concerning the All India Radio (AIR) Akashvani centre in Meerut, specifically regarding its local programming. Commissioned on March 6, 2019, as a 10 kW FM relay station, the Meerut centre currently relays the FM Rainbow channel from Akashvani Delhi. While local program production is not presently occurring at the Meerut centre, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting emphasizes the availability of diverse AIR content to listeners in Meerut and surrounding areas via multiple platforms. These platforms include the NewsOnAIR mobile app and website, which provide access to over 260 Akashvani channels, including FM Rainbow, Vividh Bharati, FM Gold, and 15 regional stations from Uttar Pradesh equipped with studio facilities. Additionally, 48 Akashvani channels are accessible free-of-cost through DD Free Dish, extending reach to remote and rural areas. The response is provided by the Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs, Dr. L. Murugan, answering questions raised by Shri Arun Govil. The original question sought clarification on the centre's purpose in showcasing local culture, art, economy, and social life, and inquired about plans for future local program production.
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, India, where an All India Radio center was inaugurated.
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 center was raised.
SHRI ARUN GOVIL: Member of Parliament who raised the question regarding the AIR center in Meerut.
DR. L. MURUGAN: Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs, who provided the answer to the question.
FM Rainbow: A FM channel of Akashvani Delhi, relayed by the Meerut center.
Uttar Pradesh: A state in India which contains 15 regional stations having 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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