**Summary:**
In response to Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No. 573, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting addressed the modernization of Akashvani (All India Radio - AIR) and Doordarshan Kendras (DDK) across India, including those in Bihar. The government has initiated measures under the Central Sector Scheme "Broadcasting Infrastructure and Network Development (BIND)" to upgrade these Kendras to meet evolving demands. Approved for the period 2021-2026 with a total outlay of Rs. 2,539.61 crore, the BIND scheme focuses on digitalization, modernization of broadcasting equipment, replacement of outdated systems, upgrading studio and transmitter infrastructure, and the introduction of new technologies and digital workflows. Specific to Bihar, the government has sanctioned Rs. 64.56 crore for modernizing Akashvani Kendras and Rs. 4.31 crore for modernizing Doordarshan Kendras. The response was provided by the Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs, Dr. L. Murugan.
Key Entities Referenced
Akashvani: Refers to All India Radio (AIR), the national public radio broadcaster of India.
Doordarshan Kendras: Television broadcasting centers in India, part of the public broadcaster Doordarshan.
Bihar: A state in eastern India, specifically mentioned in the context of modernization efforts.
Ministry of Information and Broadcasting: The Indian government ministry responsible for information dissemination and broadcasting regulations.
L. Murugan: The Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs.
Broadcasting Infrastructure and Network Development (BIND): A Central Sector Scheme focused on upgrading Akashvani and Doordarshan Kendras across India.
All India Radio (AIR): The public radio broadcaster of India also known as Akashvani.
Rs. 2,539.61 crore: The total financial outlay approved for the Broadcasting Infrastructure and Network Development (BIND) scheme for the period 2021-26.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF INFORMATION & BROADCASTING
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION No. 573
(TO BE ANSWERED ON 23.07.2025)
MODERNIZATION OF AKASHVANI AND DOORDARSHAN KENDRAS
573. SHRI JANARDAN SINGH SIGRIWAL:
Will the Minister of INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING be pleased
to state:
(a) whether the Government has taken any measures for the
modernization of Akashvani and Doordarshan Kendras in the
country including those from Bihar to meet the changing
demands;
(b) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor; and
(c) the details of the amount sanctioned, released and utilized for
the All India Radio (AIR) stations in Bihar during the last three
years and the current year, station and year-wise?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING
AND PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS
(DR. L. MURUGAN)(a) to (c): The Government has undertaken measures for the
modernization and expansion of Akashvani and Doordarshan Kendras
(DDK) across all the states.
The Kendras are being upgraded under the Central Sector Scheme –
Broadcasting Infrastructure and Network Development (BIND). This
includes major upgrades throughout the country, including Bihar, to
strengthen public broadcasting.
The scheme has been approved with a total outlay of Rs. 2,539.61
crore for the period 2021–26.
The focus of the scheme is on:
● Digitalization and modernization of broadcasting equipment
● Replacement of old systems
● Upgradation of studio and transmitter infrastructure
● Introduction of new technologies and digital workflows
Government has sanctioned various projects for modernization of
broadcasting infrastructure in Bihar. It includes Rs. 64.56 Cr for
modernization of Akashvani Kendras and Rs. 4.31 Cr for
modernization of Doordarshan Kendras.
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