Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting L. Murugan said the Union government will strengthen the broadcast infrastructure facilities across the country.

The Minister addressed the gathering after taking part in the pooja programme of the transmitter at DD Kendra in Shivamogga on Thursday.

Mr. Murugan said the Union government earmarked ₹2,500 crore to improve the broadcast infrastructure in the country. The amount would be utilised to improve the services rendered by Prasar Bharathi.

“Bhadravathi Akashavani, which was set up in 1965, has a 10Kw FM transmitter in Shivamogga. Besides that, we will set up a VIP studio at DD Kendra here,” he said.

Speaking on the occasion, Lok Sabha member B.Y. Raghavendra said that the new facility would enable the Bhadravathi Akashavani to reach eight districts. “The programmes transmitted by Bhadravathi AIR will be heard by people residing in an area spread over a 100km radius from Shivamogga. The Union government has spent over ₹10 crore for the project,” he said.

Legislators S.N. Channabasappa, Araga Jnanendra, D.S. Arun, Dr. Dhananjay Sarji, and officers of All India Radio were present on the occasion.