Union Minister of State of Information and Broadcasting Dr L Murugan has said that the government has strengthened the last-mile delivery for disaster alerts and welfare schemes through its public broadcaster, Akashvani and Doordarshan of Prasar Bharati.
In a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha, Dr Murugan said that the Government recognises the importance of the dissemination of welfare schemes, public advisories and disaster-related information, particularly in rural, remote and border regions.
He said, to ensure last-mile outreach, Prasar Bharati uses its social media outreach to disseminate information, and over 260 Akashvani stations are also available on the ‘NewsOnAir’ app on Android and iOS. Dr Murugan informed that Prasar Bharati has also launched the WAVES OTT platform, which provides live streaming of Doordarshan and Akashvani channels, along with selected private news and entertainment channels, further widening access for citizens.
The Minister added that last-mile delivery has been expanded through DD FreeDish: Direct to Home (DTH) platform, providing nationwide coverage, including rural and border areas. It carries all Doordarshan channels, 48 Akashvani channels, select private channels and over 260 educational channels.
He said, Doordarshan and DD News also broadcast dedicated programmes, documentaries and reports on Government schemes and disaster advisories through daily bulletins and shows such as Charcha Mein, Aapda Ka Samna, Cabinet Ke Bade Faisle and Cyber Alert.
The Minister informed that the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has implemented the Common Alerting Protocol-based Integrated Alert System for geo-targeted dissemination of disaster alerts. The alerts are also issued in regional languages through various means, including SMS and mobile apps.
