Lok Sabha Question No. 5478 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-25
Subject: Expansion of AIR and DD Services in Ujjain-Alot Region
Ministry: INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING
Asked by: Shri Anil Firojiya

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 5478

(TO BE ANSWERED ON 25.03.2026)

EXPANSION OF AIR AND DD SERVICES IN UJJAIN-ALOT REGION 5478. SHRI ANIL FIROJIYA:

Will the Minister of INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING be pleased to state:

- (a) the details of the steps taken for the expansion of All India Radio (Akashvani) and Doordarshan services as well as for the broadcast of local cultural programmes during the last five years in the Ujjain-Alot Lok Sabha Constituency;
- (b) the number  of  proposals  received  for the establishment  of Community Radio Stations (CRS) in the Ujjain-Alot region along with the details of those sanctioned and those currently lying pending;
- (c)  whether  there  is  any  proposal  or  scheme  to  launch  special programmes  through  Doordarshan/Akashvani  to  promote  the  local language and culture of Ujjain-Alot Lok Sabha Constituency; and
- (d)  the  details  of  the  programmes  or  campaigns  being  run  by  the Government for the regulation of digital media, curbing of fake news and creating public awareness in the Ujjain-Alot region?

## THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING

## ANSWER AND PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (DR. L. MURUGAN)

- (a) to (d): A 5 kW FM station is operational at Ujjain, along with a 100 W FM relay station commissioned at Nagda on 28.04.2023, strengthening regional broadcasting coverage. The programme generating Akashvani station has recently been made operational in Ujjain, originating around 6 hours of local programming daily.

The Government supports modernization and upgradation of broadcasting  infrastructure  through  the  Broadcasting  Infrastructure and Network Development (BIND) scheme. The Scheme has an outlay of ₹2539 crore for 2021-26. Under the BIND scheme, a project for setting up a permanent studio facility at Akashvani Ujjain for local programme production has already been sanctioned. More  than  260  Akashvani  channels,  including  those  from  Madhya Pradesh, are available globally through the 'NewsOnAir' mobile app. A proposal for establishing a Community Radio Station (CRS) in the Ujjain region has been sanctioned by the Ministry. Doordarshan  Madhya  Pradesh,  a  24×7  channel  from  Doordarshan Kendra Bhopal, telecasts programmes on culture, heritage, literature, governance and current affairs of the State, including the Ujjain-Alot region.  DD  Free  Dish  provides  free-to-air  access  to  these  services across the region. Prasar Bharati's OTT platform, WAVES, which offers a  wide  range  of  infotainment  content,  also  has  live  channel  of  DD Madhya Pradesh. Prasar  Bharati  covers  culturally  significant  events  based  on  their national or regional importance and public interest. Major events such as the inauguration of the Mahakal Corridor in Ujjain have been widely broadcast, highlighting India's rich cultural heritage. Prasar  Bharati  regularly  broadcasts  programmes,  discussions  and public awareness campaigns on issues of misinformation, fake news and responsible use of digital platforms. These initiatives, along with continuous dissemination of verified news and information, contribute to curbing fake news and promoting informed public engagement in the Ujjain-Alot region. To address misinformation and fake news, the Government has also established a robust mechanism. The Fact Check Unit (FCU) verifies information related to the Central Government, identifies misinformation and disseminates accurate content through digital and

broadcast platforms.

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