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GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF INFORMATION & BROADCASTING
RAJYA SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION No. 3914
(TO BE ANSWERED ON 27.03.2026)
MODERNISATION OF DOORDARSHAN AND ALL INDIA RADIO
3914. SHRI A. D. SINGH:
Will the Minister of Information and Broadcasting be pleased to state:
(a) the steps taken to modernize Doordarshan and All India Radio;
(b) whether Prasar Bharati is expanding digital broadcasting and news services; and
(c) the measures to improve reach, quality and competitiveness of public service
broadcasting?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING AND
PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS
(DR. L. MURUGAN)
(a) to (c): Broadcasting Infrastructure and Network Development (BIND) scheme is a Central
Sector Scheme for development, modernization and upgradation of broadcasting infrastructure
of Doordarshan and Akashvani in the country. BIND scheme has been approved with a total
outlay of ₹2539.61 crore for 2021-26.
The scheme includes setting up and modernization of transmitters and studios of Akashvani,
expansion of DD Free Dish DTH platform and DD TV channels. It also includes upgrading
production & transmission facilities. It focuses on content generation and innovation, and
expanding the reach of public broadcasting in strategic, border, and LWE-affected areas.
Prasar Bharati’s Waves OTT platform has significantly improved the reach and accessibility
of Indian cultural content globally. Since its launch, the platform has achieved over 1.2 crore
downloads and built a registered userbase of around 85 lakh users across geographies.
Doordarshan also provides a free-to-air Direct-to-Home (DTH) service through DD Free Dish.
It hosts over 450 infotainment channels, including Doordarshan, private and educational
channels.The terrestrial coverage of Akashvani is about 90% by geographical area and 98% by
population of the country. More than 260 Akashvani channels can also be listened through
“NewsOnAIR” app on mobile phones. Some Akashvani channels are also made available on
DD Free Dish & Waves OTT. 59 new FM transmitters have been approved under BIND
scheme for further improving reach for public broadcasting.
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