The new Budget has announced the setting up of new TV channel for farmers — Kisan Television — dedicated to the interests of the agriculture and allied sector. The Government will be investing Rs 100 crore for the proposed channel that will give real time information on new farming techniques, water conservation, organic farming.
Earlier this month, Information & Broadcasting Minister Prakash Javadekar had said that Prasar Bharati is already working on finalising the plans for launching the channel at the earliest. The Prasar Bharati Act lays down that the public broadcaster should pay special attention to fields of agriculture and rural development along with areas like education and spread of literacy, environment, health and family welfare and science & technology.
The BJP had in its manifesto had also stated that if voted to power, it would “explore setting up of regional Kisan TV channels”.
The budget also give special impetus has been given to community radio stations. So far around 400 permissions for setting up Community Radio Stations have been issued. To encourage further growth in this sector, a new plan scheme has been launched with an outlay of `100 crore to support 600 new and existing Community Radio Stations.
The Film & Television Institute, Pune and Satyajit Ray Film & Television Institute, Kolkata will be accorded status of Institutes of national importance. To add to them a National Centre for Excellence in Animation, Gaming and Special effects will also be set up.