This document summarizes the Indian Ministry of Information and Broadcasting's response to Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No. 2895, concerning access to cable TV, Direct to Home (DTH), and other communication facilities in rural and tribal areas. The response, delivered on August 6, 2025, outlines government initiatives to improve access and address grievances.
Key initiatives include the establishment of 264 Community Radio Stations since 2019 to promote local culture and disseminate information. Prasar Bharati's DD Free Dish service has expanded from 104 channels in 2019 to 510 channels, offered without subscription fees. The government launched OTT platform WAVES in 2024, a digital streaming aggregator integrating Doordarshan and AIR network channels.
Focused measures are being implemented under the Central Sector Scheme, Broadcasting Infrastructure and Network Development (BIND) Scheme. These measures include modernization of broadcasting infrastructure to improve signal quality and coverage, and the provision of 510 free-to-air channels through DD Free Dish. Approximately ₹450 crore has been earmarked for developing region-specific and accessible content from 2021-2026, aimed at promoting inclusivity and awareness.
Grievances received from the Satna district have been addressed through the Centralized Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System (CPGRAMS).
Key Entities Referenced
Direct to Home DTH: A digital satellite service used for receiving television and radio channels directly in homes.
SHRI GANESH SINGH: Member of Parliament who raised the question in Lok Sabha.
DR. L. MURUGAN: Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting, and Parliamentary Affairs.
Prasar Bharati: Indian public service broadcaster.
DD Free Dish: Free direct-to-home service offered by Prasar Bharati.
Centralised Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System CPGRAM: A Government of India portal for addressing public grievances.
Satna, Madhya Pradesh: A district in Madhya Pradesh, India, from where grievances were received.
Broadcasting Infrastructure and Network Development BIND Scheme: A Central Sector Scheme for modernisation of broadcasting infrastructure.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2895
(TO BE ANSWERED ON 06.08.2025)
DTH and Other Communication Facilities in Rural/Tribal Areas
2895. SHRI GANESH SINGH
Will the Minister of INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING be pleased to state:
(a) whether the Government is aware of the major barriers to access to cable TV, Direct
to Home (DTH) and other communication facilities in rural/tribal areas;
(b) if so, whether any special initiative or subsidy scheme is proposed by the
Government for these areas; and
(c) whether the Government has developed any specific monitoring mechanism on
Centralised Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System (CPGRAM) or any other
digital medium for resolving complaints received from citizens; and
(d) if so, the details of complaints received and resolved during the last two years,
district particularly Satna?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING, AND
PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS
(DR. L. MURUGAN)
(a) and (b):
Government has taken various initiatives to expand the reach of Cable TV, DTH, and
other communication services in rural and tribal areas, including:● 264 Community Radio Stations set up across India (since 2019) for community
engagement, promoting local culture, and disseminating information.
● Prasar Bharati offers DD Free Dish service without any subscription fee, which
has grown significantly from 104 channels in 2019 to 510 channels at present.
● OTT platform “WAVES” was launched in 2024, a multi-genre digital streaming
aggregator that integrates Doordarshan and AIR network channels.
To improve the cable TV, DTH, and communication facilities in rural and tribal areas,
the Government is also implementing focused measures under the Central Sector
Scheme, Broadcasting Infrastructure and Network Development (BIND) Scheme:
● Modernisation of broadcasting infrastructure, including transmitters, studios, and
DTH platforms, to improve signal quality and coverage
● 510 free-to-air channels (up from 104 in 2019) through DD Free Dish, thereby
removing cost barriers for underserved population
● ₹450 crore earmarked (2021–26) for developing region-specific and accessible
content, promoting inclusivity and awareness
This has enabled wider access to news, information, and educational programming in
rural/tribal areas.
(c) and (d): Grievances received from Satna district were addressed as per the inbuilt
guidelines of the CPGRAMS portal.
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