The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved the Broadcasting Infrastructure and Network Development (BIND) scheme.
Rs 2,539.61 crore has been earmarked for the project up to 2025-26.
This would be spent towards the development of Prasar Bharati a.ka. All India Radio (AIR) and Doordarshan (DD).
The public broadcaster will receive new facilities and better infrastructure.
AIR FM’s coverage would be increased to reach more than 80 per cent of India’s population.
Eight lakh DD free Dish DTH Set Top Boxes will be distributed.
People living in remote, tribal, left wing extremism (LWE), border, and strategic areas will get them.
The project will also cover the purchase of OB vans and digital upgradation of DD and AIR studios.
Another priority is to develop high-quality content for the domestic and international audience.
Currently, Doordarshan has 36 television channels which include 28 regional channels.
All India Radio operates more than 500 broadcasting centres.
The upgrade of the public broadcaster will generate more employment opportunities as well.
