Centre pumps money to improve DD's Kashmir channel

With the intention of countering propaganda from Pakistan occupied Kashmir, the Union cabinet approved Rs 299.87 crore to improve the quality of programmes being telecast on Doordarshan's Kashmir channel. Money has also been allocated for Leh and Jammu divisions as well.

Minister for Information and Broadcasting Priyaranjan Das Munshi said that out of the money sanctioned Rs 32.17 crore would be spent over next two years for purchase of equipment and related works while rest of it would be used for generating better soft-ware. While Rs 127.75 crore would be spent in 2007-2008, Rs 139.95 crore would be spent in the subsequent year.

"The special package would enable the DD's Kashmir channel to improve its viewership by providing wholesome programmes and effectively counter the influence of propaganda from PoK and across the border. It would also help in generating high quality programming content and streamline and strengthen the terrestrial broadcast infrastructure in the state," he declared.

The government hopes to have 14 hours of fresh programming by 2008-2009. "The new programmes would consist of in house, commissioned and acquired programming," he clarified.

Under the new scheme of things, there would be daily soaps, bi-weekly serials and long running weekly serials on prime time and mid-prime time. The new package would also include five feature films a week besides talent hunts, quizzes, talk shows, travel, tourism, art and culture.