Centre open to 24×7 channel for Meghalaya

SHILLONG: The Centre is open to the idea of having a dedicated 24×7 channel for Meghalaya, said Bimal Julka, Secretary, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, on Thursday.
Speaking to media persons on the sidelines of the Indian Panorama Festival which got underway here on Thursday, Julka said that the Standing Committee on Finance is empowered to take a final call on the matter.
He further said that the Ministry would deliberate on the opinion of the viewers and based on the outcome of the study and necessary requirements a decision would be taken.
Stating that the Ministry was committed to promote regional cinema, the bureaucrat said that the Ministry has been trying to host a number of events with special focus on the North East.
According to Julka, the Ministry has proposed a separate section for Meghalaya in the International Film Festival in Goa since Meghalaya provides a number of opportunities to film makers with its beautiful locations that have the potential to attract a lot of film makers.
Asked about the expansion plans of the Ministry, he said that the print media was growing at 9 per cent whereas the broadcasting media was growing at a rate of 12-14 per cent per annum. In addition to more than 800 channels that are up and running, around 250 more would be coming soon, Julka said, adding that it was the prerogative of the state government on how they wanted to utilize the opportunity.
Earlier in the day, Julka met officials of All India Radio, Shillong and advised them to extend AIR’s reach to benefit the rural masses in the country.
Julka said AIR, as a public broadcaster, will not lack behind in ensuring that news and other programmes of the government are heard by the poorest of the poor.
He also said despite the fiscal deficit, the government was undertaking up gradation of technology in AIR with digitalized transmission.
He also said that private TV channels have progressed in terms of providing entertainment, but people still tune in to Doordarshan and AIR for authentic news.