The government has decided to take the propaganda war against neighbouring countries to a higher level. The UPA government has proposed a 10-fold increase in the budget for strengthening of Doordarshan and All-India Radio broadcasting and coverage in border areas.
The Union information and broadcasting ministry has proposed to spend Rs 986 crore on strengthening of national broadcasters in border areas during the 12th Plan period. The amount spent in the corresponding period during 11th Plan was Rs 100 crore.
Government sources stated that out of the total, Rs 586 crore has been earmarked for the expansion of Doordarshan and Rs 400 crore has been proposed for AIR. This is the highest amount proposed by the government to strengthen the facilities of national broadcasters in the past few decades.
Sources stated that the move is expected to enhance India’s capability in countering propaganda emanating from foreign soil. It is understood that the step was initiated after Union I&B minister Ambika Soni directed the strengthening of infrastructure and capabilities of national broadcasters in the border areas.
The areas being chosen are those along the borders with Pakistan, China, Nepal and Bangladesh. In all, Doordarshan will set up 10 new high-power transmitters and upgrade and set up 25 low-power transmitters in these areas. AIR is expected to set up 72 FM transmitters in border areas and also utilise the funds to upgrade existing facilities.