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In the budgetary proposals for financial year 2004-05, the government
dole to Prasar Bharati stands at Rs 9.75 billion (975.26 crore),
while last year it was Rs 10.06 million (1005.64 crore).
However, the slashing of the grant-in-aid has been seemingly offset
by an increase in the plan outlay for Prasar Bharati to Rs 4,800
million for the current year from Rs. 4,150 million. This indicates
that money has been sanctioned for some ongoing projects, as also
expansion.
The grants-in-aid to Prasar Bharati is given by the governmenmt
to cover the gap in resources of the organisation in meeting its
revenue expenditure.
Loans extended to Prasar Bharati, also, has shown an increase to
Rs 1.69 million (169.50 crore) from Rs 1.66 million (166 crore).
The government loan is provided so that Prasar Bharati can meet
its needs to finance capital expenditure.
However, the impact of today's budgetary proposals on Doordarshan's
plans to start a KU-band DTH service could not be immediately ascertained
as Prasar Bharati officials were not available for comments.
Meanwhile, the annual budgetary allocation for the information
and broadcasting ministry has gone up marginally to Rs 15.14 million
(1514.17 crore) from Rs 15.12 million (1512.12 crore).
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