NEW DELHI: A proper outcome analysis on the grassroots impact of the Kisan Channel be conducted, in order to determine how the content of the Channel is actually benefitting farmers, a Parliamentary Committee has said.
While fully supporting the initiative of the Kisan Channel, the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Information Technology which also examines issues relating to Information and Broadcasting Ministry said that since the allocation under the Scheme has increased during 2017-18 from Rs 600 million to Rs 800 million, the Committee would like to be apprised of the new achievements of the Ministry under the Scheme.
The Scheme of Kisan Channel was approved in the year 2014-15, with an initial allocation of Rs One Billion - Rs 900 million for Doordarshan and Rs 100 million for All India Radio.
The Committee noted that the major assets created at Central Production Centre, Delhi for Kisan channel during 2016-17 were Multichannel Automated Playback facility and Multi Camera Studio Production facility in HDTV format; Collaborative Non-Linear Post Production facility in HDTV format; and XDCAM Camcorders, Recorders/ Decks, NLE, Camera support system, Zoom Lens.
The Ministry has set the target of creating major assets under the Scheme during 2017-18 which are: Earth station at CPC, Delhi; and Field production equipment at 18 Regional Kendras. A Multi Camera Studio Production facility in HDTV format at CPC Delhi has also been ordered.
During the year 2016-2017 new initiatives were also undertaken to improve quality and make more field-based, interactive and interesting programmes. Evaluation of existing programs is also being carried out. A content preview committee has been put in place. A system of regular review of programme has also been put in place so that further improvement can be made.
Programmes are now being made in all the States in the Hindi belt, including Punjab, Gujarat, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, etc. so as to make the channel more inclusive.
The Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC) is providing real time TRP rating of each programme telecast on Kisan Channel to assess feedback of programme.
Noting that the Ministry is putting earnest efforts to make Kisan Channel a priority among rural farmer community, the Committee noted that for the year 2016-17 only Rs 390 million as on 31 January 2017 had been spent out of Rs 600 million allocated for the Scheme under Budget estimates and revised estimates 2016-17.
Taking note of the submission of the Ministry that they will be able to utilize the entire amount, the Committee wanted to be apprised of the actual expenditure incurred under the Scheme during 2016-17.
The Committee stressed that the Ministry should expand the outreach of Kisan Channel beyond Hindi belt states to cover Southern and North-Eastern states as well.
