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30 Written Answers to [RAJYA SABHA] Starred Questions
Recommendations of TRAI on FM radio
*194. DR. M.A.M. RAMASWAMY:
MS. SUSHILA TIRIYA:
Will the Minister of INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING be pleased to state:
(a) whether FM radio has grown rapidly in our country;
(b) whether the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAJ) in a communication to the
Government has recommended several steps to be taken to achieve a sustained growth in
FM radio;
(c) if so, the other major recommendations of TRAI regarding FM radio; and
(d) the reaction of the Central Government in this regard?
THE MINISTER OF INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING (SHRI PRIYARANJAN
DASMUNSIJ): (a) Yes, Sir. Permission has been granted for operationalization of 266 FM
radio stations under Phase-I and Phase-II of the Policy on Expansion of FM radio through
private agencies. Out of this, 205 are presently operational and the remaining 61 are likely ta
be operationalised shortly. Besides, 170 61 India Radio FM transmitters are also operational
at present.
(b) and (c) The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (11२41) has submitted their
recommendations on issues relating to Phase III of FM radio broadcasting through private
agencies to the Government on 22.02.2008. The recommendations, inter-alia, include
allowing additional channels in the same city, allowing broadcasting of news and current
affairs with certain conditions, changing geographical basis for allotment of FM channels
from city to district, enhancing FDI limit, relaxation of fee structure for North-East and
J&K, allowing netowrking of FM radio programmes across entities etc.
(d) The recommendations of the TRAI are being examined by the Government.
Commercial operations by SEZs
*195. SHRI SITARAM YECHURY: Will the Minister of COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
be pleased to state:
(a) the details of the SEZs approved so far;
(b) the details of SEZs which have started developing infrastructure, State-wise;
(c) the details of SEZs which have started commercial operations; and
(d) the details of employment in each SEZ, State-wise classification thereof?
THE MINISTER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY (SHRI KAMAL NATH):
(a) Under the Special Econamic Zones (SEZs) Act, 2005, 439 formal approvals have been
granted out of which 202 SEZs have been notified.
(b) In 124 notified SEZs, infrastructure and other activities have commenced. The details
of State-wise investments made in the SEZs are annexed.
(c) 80 SEZs have commenced commercial operations.
(d) As on 31st December, 2007, total incremental employment in all SEZs is 1,46,128.
State-wise details are enclosed as Statement.