Lok Sabha Question No. 5427 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-25
Subject: Developmental Communication and Information Dissemination Schemes in Sonipat
Ministry: INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING
Asked by: Shri Satpal Brahamchari

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF INFORMATION & BROADCASTING

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION No. 5427 TO BE ANSWERED ON 25.03.2026

## DEVELOPMENTAL  COMMUNICATION  AND  INFORMATION  DISSEMINATION SCHEMES IN SONIPAT

## 5427.  SHRI SATPAL BRAHAMCHARI

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

- (a) whether the Government is aware of the need to strengthen the implementation of schemes related  to  developmental  communication  and  information  dissemination  in  the  Sonipat  Lok Sabha Constituency;
- (b)  whether  the  Government  is  conducting  special  information  outreach  campaigns  for  public awareness programmes in the said constituency;
- (c)  whether  any  projects  have  been  sanctioned  for  the  expansion  of  Radio  (Akashvani), Doordarshan and Digital Broadcasting Services in the region;
- (d) whether there is any proposal to set up additional resources or new transmission facilities for Broadcasting Infrastructure and Network Development (BIND); and
- (e) the progress made  through these initiatives in ensuring that information regarding Government schemes reaches the citizens of the region?

## ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE FOR INFORMATION & BROADCASTING; AND PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (DR. L. MURUGAN)

## (a) to (e):

Government  disseminates  information  about  its  policies,  programmes  and  schemes  across  the country, including in Sonipat Lok Sabha Constituency. It is done through various media units such as Press Information Bureau (PIB), Central Bureau of Communication (CBC), Akashvani, Doordarshan and other digital platforms. The outreach activities are carried out on a pan-India basis, including Sonipat, to ensure wider reach and awareness among citizens.

Press  Information Bureau (PIB) carries out number of public multimedia campaigns, outreach activities including Vartas (Media workshops), Vartalaps (Media conclave) and press conferences for information dissemination about the various government schemes.

The Central Bureau of Communication (CBC) undertakes Information, Education and Communication (IEC) campaigns in consultation with respective functional ministries/departments. Various media such as print, electronic, outdoor publicity, social media and interpersonal communication are deployed according to the need.

The Broadcasting Infrastructure and Network Development (BIND) scheme is a Central Sector Scheme  for  development,  modernization  and  upgradation  of  broadcasting  infrastructure  of Doordarshan and Akashvani in the country. BIND scheme has been approved with a total outlay of ₹2539.61 crore for 2021-26.

BIND  scheme  aims  to  strengthen  and  expand  broadcasting  infrastructure  across  the  country including Sonipat. Expansion  and  modernization  of  public  broadcasting  infrastructure  is undertaken  by  Prasar  Bharati  from  time  to  time.  It  is  based  on  techno-economic  need  and feasibility,  availability  of  resources  and  overall  policy  framework.  Under  the  current  BIND scheme, 68 transmitters are sanctioned, which will expand AIR coverage from 70% in 2021 to 81%.

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