DD Kashir shifted back to Srinagar from Delhi

Srinagar, Oct 18 (UNI) The Centre today decided to shift the operations of Doordarshan's 'Kashir' channel back to Srinagar from Delhi after more than 17 years since the outbreak of violence in Kashmir in late 1980s, thus fulfilling a long-standing demand of the people of the Valley.

Addressing a news conference here, Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Priya Ranjan Dasmunsi said the channel would henceforth be fully operated from Srinagar instead of the national capital from where it had been functioning for the past 17 years since the onset of militancy in Kashmir.

''With this decision, the wishes and aspirations of the people of Kashmir have been fulfilled,'' he added.

During the past six months, Ms Dasmunsi said he has been confronted with several complaints from the people of the Valley that they have been deprived of slots in DD 'Kashir' channel as substantial part was hijacked by ''benami walas''.

He said the Information and Broadcasting Ministry evolved a new policy by which it has been decided that 75 per cent commission- based programmes would be produced by the people residing in Kashmir and the remaining by the migrants of the Valley and others to promote the local talent.

Another category 'F' will be added in the list of entertainment programmes to promote the budding talent from the Valley. The people with no experience can gain from this category,'' Mr Dasmunsi added.

He said Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad had repeatedly approached the Information and Broadcasting after assuming power in November last year for improving the performance and infrastructure of Prasar Bharati in the Valley.

''It was Mr Azad's continuous and consistent effort to justify the wishes and aspirations of the people of Kashmir. He sought huge involvement of the people of the Valley in make DD Kashir more effective, popularise and transparent,'' the Union Minister said.

Mr Dasmusni said Mr Azad had on several occasions demanded inauguration of FM channels in different parts of the state.

He said the Chief Minister had also demanded giving a new dimension to 'Sheharbeen', a programme highlighting local issues, both on Radio and Doordarshan.

UNI AG YSS RL RK1420