Govt allocates Rs 450 cr to expand broadcasting in rural, tribal areas

This investment will support region-specific, inclusive content aimed at promoting awareness and engagement

by e4m Staff
Published: Aug 6, 2025 2:28 PM | 2 min read

The Indian government is investing Rs 450 crore to make broadcasting more inclusive and accessible in the country’s rural and tribal regions. This funding falls under the Broadcasting Infrastructure and Network Development (BIND) scheme, which runs from 2021 to 2026. As per Dr. L. Murugan, Minister of State for I&B and Parliamentary Affairs, the initiative is part of a larger effort to strengthen public broadcasting and reduce the media gap between urban and remote communities.

One of the key developments has been DD Free Dish, a free Direct-to-Home (DTH) service by Prasar Bharati, which has grown from 104 channels in 2019 to 510 in 2025. This has helped bring television content to homes that previously couldn’t afford paid subscriptions. The ministry is also boosting hyperlocal engagement through 264 community radio stations launched since 2019.

To reach younger and digital-first audiences, the government introduced WAVES, a new OTT platform in 2024. It brings together content from Doordarshan and All India Radio, allowing users to stream public service media anytime, anywhere.

The BIND scheme also supports the modernisation of TV studios, transmission systems, and satellite services, helping improve signal quality and viewer experience across the board.

Addressing concerns from more remote regions—like Satna in Madhya Pradesh—the ministry added that complaints related to service access are being handled through the Centralised Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System (CPGRAMS). While no detailed stats were provided for Satna, the ministry said the system ensures that all complaints are resolved in line with set procedures.