COVERAGE OF FM IN MAHARASHTRA (27-Nov-2006)

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GOVERNMENT OF INDIA 
INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING 
LOK SABHA 
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO:670 
ANSWERED ON:27.11.2006 


COVERAGE OF FM IN MAHARASHTRA 
Khaire Shri Chandrakant Bhaurao;Renge Patil Shri Tukaram Ganpatrao 


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


(a)The details of the number of FM stations in Maharashtra alongwith the percentage area of the State covered by FM broadcasting; 
(b)Whether there is any proposal to extend FM coverage to other areas; 

(c)If so, whether any proposal has been received in this regard; 

(d)If so, the reaction of the Government thereto; and 


(e)The time by which it is likely to be finalized? 


Answer 


THE MINISTER OF INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING AND PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (SHRI P.R. DASMUNS)) 


(a) At present, there are 16 Government AIR FM radio stations and 5 private FM radio stations running in the State of Maharashtra. 
AIR FM signals cover 24.3% of area and 44.15% of the population in Maharashtra. 


(b) to (e)Yes, Sir. 3 more AIR FM radio stations i.e., at Shiridi, Oras and Amravti have been approved in the 10th Plan. Besides, 
Letters of Intent (LOl) have been issued under Phase Il of private FM radio broadcasting to run 31 channels in Maharashtra. The 
operationalization of these channels are expected by the end of next financial year, at the latest.