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GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING
LOK SABHA
STARRED QUESTION NO:238
ANSWERED ON:23.07.204
FM SERVICES
Bhagat Shri Bodh Singh;Udhayakumar Shri M.
Will the Minister of INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING be pleased to state:
(a) the number of districts which do not have FM transmission coverage, State-wise;
(b) whether the Prasar Bharati proposes to extend FM coverage by setting up new AIR FM stations;
(c) if so, the details thereof and the funds allocated for the purpose during the 72th Plan, State-wise including Madhya Pradesh; and
(d) the time by which FM coverage will be extended to uncovered areas?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) OF THE MINISTRY OF INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING;
ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE AND MINISTER OF STATE FOR THE MINISTRY OF PARLIAMENTARY
AFFAIRS (SHRI PRAKASH JAVADEKAR)
(a) to (d): A Statement is laid on the Table of the House.
STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) to (d) OF LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO.238 FOR ANSWER ON
23.07.204.
(a) Prasar Bharati has informed that presently, 260 nos. of districts in the country are not covered by Primary FM Coverage of All India
Radio (AIR). However, 00 W FM Relay transmitters have been installed at some of the districts headquarters and major cities which
have a limited coverage area of about 7-0 km radius. State-wise details are given in Annexure - |. Some of these districts may have
partial FM coverage by FM transmitter(s) installed in adjacent district(s).
As regards private FM radio broadcasting is concerned, only the cities with a population of 3 lakh and above, besides State Capital
were taken up for bidding during the first two phases of FM radio broadcasting. Presently a total of 243 channels are operational in 86
cities across the country.
(0) & (c). Yes Sir. Under 42th Plan of AIR, new AIR FM Stations at 78 places in the country including Madhya Pradesh has been
approved as Continuing Scheme (07 nos.) & as New Scheme (/ nos.). The State-wise details are given in Annexure Il. Moreover,
schemes for conversion of 8 nos. of existing MW Station to FM Station approved under Continuing Scheme (03 nos.) & New Scheme
(5 nos.) in the 2th Plan are also under implementation. The State-wise details are given in Annexure Ill.
Apart from these FM Stations, 226 nos. of FM relay transmitters (7 Continuing Scheme + 09 New Scheme) including Madhya
Pradesh are also under implementation in the country. The State-wise details are given in Annexure IV (A) & (8). During the 72th Plan
an amount of Rs. 4 crore has been allocated for setting up of new FM Stations/ Relay transmitters.
With a view to further expand the spread of private FM radio services to other cities, the policy on expansion of FM radio broadcasting
services through private agencies (Phase-lll) was approved by the Cabinet on 07th July, 207. Under the policy, 839 FM Channels will
be auctioned in 294 cities which will result in coverage of all cities with a population of above one lakh (as per 200/ census). It
includes cities in border areas of Jammu and Kashmir and North Eastern Region (less than 0/ lakh population). The state- wise
details are given in Annexure-V.
(d) FM expansion is being taken up ina phased manner in the country under Plan schemes.