**Summary:**
This document summarizes the response provided by the Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs, Dr. L. Murugan, to Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No. 513, answered on July 23, 2025, regarding the expansion of Doordarshan Free Dish.
The response indicates growth in India's press and media ecosystem. The number of publications registered with the Press Registrar General of India increased from 1.05 Lakh in 2014-15 to 1.55 Lakh in 2024-25. The number of private satellite TV channels also increased from 821 in 2014-15 to 908 in 2024-25.
Currently, 92 private channels and 50 Doordarshan channels are available on DD Free Dish, broadcasting in various regional languages to broaden audience reach.
The expansion of Prasar Bharati's network is ongoing under the Broadcasting Infrastructure Network Development (BIND) Scheme 2021-26. As part of this scheme, three transmitters have been approved for Himachal Pradesh, including a 5kW transmitter in Mandi and 1kW FM transmitters in Chamba and Dharampur.
Key Entities Referenced
Doordarshan Free Dish: A free-to-air direct broadcast satellite television service in India.
All India Radio: The public radio broadcaster in India.
Mandi, Himachal Pradesh: A city in the state of Himachal Pradesh, India, mentioned in relation to the expansion of Doordarshan Free Dish and All India Radio services.
Himachal Pradesh: A state in India where expansion of Doordarshan Free Dish is taking place.
Prasar Bharati: India's public service broadcaster, encompassing Doordarshan and All India Radio.
Broadcasting Infrastructure Network Development BIND Scheme 2021-26: A scheme by Prasar Bharati for expanding broadcasting infrastructure network across the country.
L. Murugan: Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs.
Press Registrar General of India: An entity in India responsible for registering publications.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 513
TO BE ANSWERED ON 23-07-2025
EXPANSION OF DOORDARSHAN FREE DISH
513. SHRI BHOJRAJ NAG:
SHRI ALOK SHARMA:
DR. BHOLA SINGH:
MS KANGNA RANAUT:
SHRI KHAGEN MURMU
SHRI BHARTRUHARI MAHTAB:
Will the Minister of INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING be pleased to state:
(a) the manner in which the number of registered publications and private satellite TV
channels evolved during the recent years; and
(b) the details regarding the expansion of Doordarshan Free Dish, DTH services and All
India Radio especially in Mandi, Himachal Pradesh and rural or remote regions?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE FOR INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING AND
PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS
(DR. L. MURUGAN)
(a) and (b): India has a vibrant press and media ecosystem, which has witnessed growth in
recent years, as mentioned below:
Number of publications registered with the Press Registrar General of India has
increased from 1.05 Lakh in 2014-15 to 1.55 Lakh in 2024-25.
Number of private satellite TV Channels have also increased from 821 in 2014-15 to 908
in 2024-25.As of today, 92 private channels and 50 Doordarshan Channels are available on DD Free
Dish. Both private and DD channels operate in various regional languages, ensuring wider
audience reach across the country.
Expansion of Prasar Bharati’s network across the country is a continuous process undertaken
under the Broadcasting Infrastructure & Network Development (BIND) Scheme 2021-26.
Three transmitters have been approved under this scheme in Himachal Pradesh. These
include 5kW transmitter in Mandi and 1kW FM transmitters in Chamba and Dharampur each.
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