Several DD kendras to be upgraded: Dasmunshi

Mangalore, Sep 23: The Centre has decided to upgrade several Doordarshan kendras in the country during the eleventh five-year plan period, including the Mangalore Kendra, Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Priyaranjan Dasmunshi said today.

Addressing newspersons after inaugurating the ten-day Navaratri festival at the famous Sri Gokarnanatha temple at Kudroli here, he said the Mangalore Kendra would be converted into a fully equipped, upgraded centre by the year-end. He assured to provide all modern facilities required for the upgradation of the centre and personally supervise the work.

Mr Dasmunshi said a Group of Ministers (GoM), formed to look into the radio expansion network, was expected to submit its report by the month-end. The Ministry would take appropriate decisions on the matter after receiving the report.

Stating that FM radio channels were doing well, he, however, opined that more and more programmes aimed at teenagers should be aired.

To a query on Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in print media, the Minister said ''there is already a standing policy of 26 per cent FDI in print media. But we need to be cautious while implementing this policy so as to create a level playing field for both Indian and foreign print media.'' Earlier, inaugurating the Navaratri festival, Mr Dasmunshi said the message of 'one god, one religion' of Sri Narayanaguru was still relevant in the society. Sri Narayanaguru, who fought against untouchability, also taught that the downtrodden sections of the society should be respected as they were also creations of God.

He said it was time for the country to achieve unity, understanding, harmony and mutual respect.

UNI