MIB pushes ₹2,539 cr modernization plan for Akashvani and Doordarshan, Bihar among key beneficiaries

The Government of India has launched an extensive modernization initiative to upgrade Akashvani and Doordarshan Kendras (DDKs) across the country, including in Bihar, under the Central Sector Scheme – Broadcasting Infrastructure and Network Development (BIND). This was confirmed by Dr. L. Murugan, Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs, in response to a question in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday.

The scheme, approved with a total financial outlay of ₹2,539.61 crore for the 2021–2026 period, aims to enhance the capacity and quality of public broadcasting in India through digitalization and infrastructural improvements.

According to Dr. Murugan, the key objectives of the BIND scheme include:

Digitalization and modernization of broadcasting equipment

Replacement of obsolete systems

Upgradation of studio and transmitter infrastructure

Adoption of new technologies and digital workflows

These efforts are being carried out nationwide and have specific allocations for states like Bihar. In Bihar alone, the government has sanctioned ₹64.56 crore for modernization of Akashvani Kendras and ₹4.31 crore for the revamp of Doordarshan Kendras.

The minister also stated that the scheme is part of a broader effort to meet evolving audience expectations and ensure that the country's public broadcasters remain technologically relevant in an increasingly digital media landscape.

The exact station-wise and year-wise allocation of funds to All India Radio stations in Bihar over the last three years and the current fiscal is expected to be made available separately.

The BIND scheme reflects the government's commitment to strengthening public service broadcasting infrastructure and ensuring that services like Akashvani and Doordarshan continue to play a vital role in disseminating information and education across the nation, especially in underserved and rural regions.