More I&B funds for DD Kashmir

In order to counter anti-India propaganda warfare being unleashed by Pakistan-based television channels, the information and broadcasting ministry (I&B) is ready to provide more funds for content development and capacity building on DD Kashmir, Doordarshan’s dedicated Kashmiri language channel.

In order to counter anti-India propaganda warfare being unleashed by Pakistan-based television channels, the information and broadcasting ministry (I&B) is ready to provide more funds for content development and capacity building on DD Kashmir, Doordarshan’s dedicated Kashmiri language channel.

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DD Kashmir aims at furthering the cause of national integration among the people of Jammu and Kashmir. “Besides the planned schemes, for which budgetary provisions have been made, we are ready to provide more funds if need be,” a senior ministry official said.

Last month, union home minister P Chidambaram had written to information and broadcasting minister Ambika Soni requesting her to allocate adequate finds for DD Kashmir.

The home minister had in his letter pointed out that year 2011 was “very crucial” from the point of view of restoration of normalcy in Jammu and Kashmir.

“We have been keeping a sharp eye on the content quality (of the TV channel) of late. Since September last year, we have been working on a plan for the complete overhauling of the Kashmir channel, which has paid dividends in the form of increased viewership and improved programming,” the official said.

“A fresh look has been given keeping the unique Kashmiri culture in mind,” added the official.

“There is a further proposal for capacity building among local TV producers. We are working out the details for a workshop, which will be held in September… R2 crore has already been allotted for this workshop,” the official told Hindustan Times.

Launched in 2000, DD Kashmir focuses on the projection of the Indian government point of view in the right perspective in the face of an ongoing anti-India tirade on Pakistan-based TV channels.

Until recently, DD Kashmir was synonymous with poor quality programmes even as there were rampant allegations of corruption and favouritism in awarding contracts for the programmes.