Indian Economy News

Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approves Central Sector ‘Broadcasting Infrastructure and Network Development (BIND)’ Scheme with an outlay of US$ 306 million (Rs. 2,539.61 crores)

The proposal of the Central Sector Scheme ‘Broadcasting Infrastructure and Network Development (BIND)’ was approved by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs with an outlay of US$ 306 million (Rs. 2,539.61 crores), for infrastructure development of Prasar Bharati (All India Radio (AIR) and Doordarshan (DD)). This scheme was presented by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and aims in providing financial assistance to Prasar Bharati for expenses related to the expansion and upgradation of its broadcasting infrastructure and content development.

Prasar Bharati (public broadcaster of the country) is an important source for providing information, education, entertainment and engagement for the people, especially in the remote areas of the country through DD and AIR. The BIND scheme will help Prasar Bharati to undertake major upgradation of its facilities with better infrastructure. Another focus point of this scheme is the development of high-quality content for both domestic and international audiences.

Currently, 36 TV channels are being operated by DD, including 28 regional channels and more than 500 broadcasting centres are being operated by AIR. With this scheme, AIR Frequency Modulation (FM) transmitters in the country will be increased by 66% by geographical area and 80% by population. Free distribution of over 8 lakh DD Dish Set Up Boxes (STBs) to people living in remote, tribal, border and left-wing extremism (LWE) areas is also an objective under the scheme.

The content generation and content innovation for AIR and DD has the potential of indirect employment of people with varied experience in different media fields. In addition to it, the project for expansion of the reach of DD Free Dish is expected to generate employment opportunities in the manufacturing of the DD Free Dish direct-to-home (DTH) boxes.

Disclaimer: This information has been collected through secondary research and IBEF is not responsible for any errors in the same.

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