Context: Recently, the Government has approved Central Sector Broadcasting Infrastructure and Network Development (BIND) Scheme with an outlay of over 2539 crore rupees up to 2025-26.

About Prasar Bharati

• It is the largest statutory autonomous public broadcasting agency in India which was established in 1997.

• It was established under an Act of Parliament and consists of Doordarshan Television Network and All India Radio.

• In September 1990, the Parliament passed the Prasar Bharati (Broadcasting Corporation of India) Act. 

• This Act made provision for the establishment of a Broadcasting Corporation of India named Prasar Bharati.

• Head quarters - New Delhi

• Prasar Bharati, as the public broadcaster of the country, is the most important vehicle of information, education, entertainment and engagement for the people, especially in the remote areas of the country.

• The two wings of Prasar Bharti All India Radio and Doordarshan will be immensaly benefitted with this decision. Doordarshan operates 36 TV channels including 28 regional channels and All India Radio runs more than five hundred broadcasting centres. 

Key Developments under the Scheme

• The scheme will financially support Prasar Bharati in the expansion and upgradation of its broadcasting infrastructure, content development, and civil works. 

• The scheme will widen the reach in Left Wing Extremism, border, and strategic areas.

• This will also provide high-quality content to viewers.

• With this the FM Coverage of AIR will be increased and it will cover more than 80 per cent of the country’s population.

• The Project for modernization and augmentation of broadcast infrastructure will generate indirect employment by way of manufacturing and services related to supply and installation of broadcast equipments.

• This will enhance the reach of the scheme including Left Wing Extremism, Border and Strategic Sectors and provide high quality content to the viewers.