Lok Sabha Question No. 6030 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-04-01
Subject: Broadcasting of Programming Pattern and Editorial Content on DD Podhigai
Ministry: INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING
Asked by: Shri Eswarasamy K

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING

## LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 6030

(TO BE ANSWERED ON 01.04.2026)

BROADCASTING  OF  PROGRAMMING  PATTERN  AND  EDITORIAL

CONTENT ON DD PODHIGAI

6030. SHRI ESWARASAMY K:

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

- (a) whether the Government has reviewed the programming pattern and editorial content broadcast on DD Podhigai during the last five years;
- (b) if so, the details of programme  categories telecast and expenditure  incurred  along  with  editorial  approval  mechanisms followed under Prasar Bharati;
- (c) whether  the Government  proposes  to  issue guidelines or strengthen oversight mechanisms to ensure that DD Podhigai reflects pluralism,  regional  diversity  and  constitutional  neutrality  in  its programming; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING

AND PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (DR. L. MURUGAN)

- (a) to (d): Prasar Bharati launched the revamped DD Tamil channel in January  2024.  It  is  a  24×7  dedicated  television  channel  being broadcast  through  satellite  and  terrestrial  networks.  DD  Tamil broadcasts  programmes  in  Tamil  language  covering  art,  culture, literature,  history,  heritage,  traditions,  eminent  personalities,  and people-centric content. It also broadcasts news and current affairs related to the state of Tamil Nadu. Name of the DD Podhigai has been changed to DD Tamil w.e.f. 19.01.2024.

The Government of India provides 100% funding for the Broadcasting Infrastructure and  Network  Development  (BIND) scheme.  This scheme is  for  the  development,  modernization  and  upgradation  of broadcasting infrastructure of Doordarshan and Akashvani. It had an outlay  of  ₹2539.61  crore  for  2021-26.   Under  the  scheme,  several projects for Prasar Bharati have been sanctioned for Tamil Nadu. Alongside strengthening in-house production, funds have also been provided under the Broadcasting Infrastructure and Network Development  (BIND)  scheme  for  new  Tamil  serials.  Four  serials namely  'Mahakavi  Bharathi,  Thayamma  Kudumbathaar,  Budget Kudumbam, and Shakthi IPS' have been commissioned and telecast on  the  channel  and  one  more  serial  namely  '83-84' has  been sanctioned.  All  programmes  telecast  on  Doordarshan  network, including  DD  Tamil,  adhere  to  the  'Programme  Code  of  Prasar Bharati' and are previewed by the Programme Wing of the concerned Kendra to ensure compliance. Doordarshan's  Free-To-Air  Direct-to-Home  (DTH)  service, 'DD  Free Dish,' is available across the country, including the State of Tamil Nadu. Prasar Bharati has also launched its OTT platform WAVES in 2024, a digital streaming aggregator providing infotainment content. More than 260 Akashvani channels, including Akashvani channels in Tamil Nadu, are available on mobile phones through the 'NewsOnAir' mobile app. These and other pan-India digital broadcasting initiatives are being continuously expanded under the BIND Scheme, and are extended across the country, including the State of Tamil Nadu.

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