MP Demands Transmission of Vividh Bharati FM Port Blair in all Remote Islands

Tarun Karthick

Campbell Bay, 09 January 2023

Mr. Kuldeep Rai Sharma, Member of Parliament, Andaman and Nicobar Islands has requested the Minister of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India to start transmission of Vividh Bharati FM Port Blair (100.9) in all the remote Islands of Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

In a letter addressed to the Minister of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India the Member of Parliament mentioned that FM 100.9 MHz is being broadcasted from All India Radio, Port Blair. He added that it has been declared as the 42nd FM Station of the Vividh Bharati Network by Prasar Bharati. He also mentioned that two hours of local programmes are being broadcasted on VB FM Port Blair in the morning and evening hours from 26.01.2019, the day of its launch. 

MP informed the minister that in a very short period, the service has become immensely popular among the residents of a major part of the South Andaman region, but sadly the transmission of Vividh Bharati FM Port Blair (100.9) is limited to some areas in South Andaman District. He also informed that in remote Islands such services are needed for the entertainment of the general public and also to overcome the feeling of remoteness and isolation.

Member of Parliament pointed out that the availability of Vividh Bharati FM Port Blair (100.9) in all Islands will not only serve as a source of entertainment for the Islanders, but it can also save lives during any natural disaster by providing one additional mode of communication.

Member of Parliament requested the Minister of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India to increase the transmission range of Vividh Bharati FM Port Blair (100.9) and install receiving station/repeater stations at various remote Islands so that the transmission of Vividh Bharati FM Port Blair (100.9) can be expanded and it can reach all remote Islands of Andaman and Nicobar Islands.