Broadcasting Infrastructure and Network Development (BIND) scheme

Subject :Polity

Context

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has recently approved a large infrastructure development scheme for Prasar Bharati, the public broadcasting service in India that heads All India Radio and Doordarshan.
The Broadcasting Infrastructure and Network Development (BIND) scheme, worth over ₹2,500 crore, will focus on expanding and upgrading the infrastructure of Prasar Bharati, as well as improving the digital content and distribution network.

BIND Scheme

The BIND scheme is designed to provide financial support to Prasar Bharati for expenses related to the expansion and upgradation of its broadcasting infrastructure, content development, and civil work related to the organization.
As the public broadcaster of India, Prasar Bharati serves as a crucial source of information, education, entertainment, and engagement for the public, especially in remote areas of the country through DD and AIR.

Upgrading Infrastructure and Increasing Reach

The BIND scheme will enable Prasar Bharati to undertake major upgrades of its facilities with improved infrastructure, which will expand its reach to include areas with left-wing extremism, strategic locations, and border regions.
In addition, the scheme aims to provide high-quality content for both domestic and international audiences and increase the availability of diverse content by upgrading the capacity of the DTH platform to accommodate more channels.

Other Aspects of the BIND Scheme

As part of the project, Prasar Bharati will also purchase OB vans and digitally upgrade DD and AIR studios to make them HD ready.
Currently, DD operates 36 TV channels, including 28 regional channels, while AIR operates over 500 broadcasting centers.
The BIND scheme will increase the coverage of AIR FM transmitters in the country to 66% by geographical area and 80% by population, up from 59% and 68%, respectively.
The scheme also includes the free distribution of over 800,000 DD Free Dish STBs to people living in remote, tribal, left-wing extremism-affected, and border areas.

Prasar Bharti

Prasar Bharati is a statutory autonomous body. It is the Public Service Broadcaster of the country.
It was established under the Prasar Bharati Act in 1997.
The Prasar Bharati Corporation’s main objective is to provide autonomy to Doordarshan and Akashvani in order to “educate and entertain the public.