Maharashtra seeks TV and radio airtime for edu broadcast

NAGPUR: State’s school education minister Varsha Gaikwad has written to the central government seeking more airtime on Doordarshan and All India Radio to roll out its vernacular educational shows.
Gaikwad in a letter in Union information and broadcasting (I&B) minister Prakash Javadekar said Maharashtra seeks 12 hours on DD and two hours on AIR time daily.
“Maharashtra is extremely interested in using the facility,” the minister wrote in response to Centre’s invitation for utilizing DD channels for disseminating educational content.
“In the course of next academic year, we wish to broadcast 12 hours of daily content through any two channels from DD National channel family and two hours daily content on AIR,” wrote Gaikwad. She added that Maharashtra also has its virtual classroom studios and sought permission for live broadcast as well.
Madhusudhan Mude, president of Headmasters Association (HA) said it will be beneficial as an added teaching tool. “Real classroom teaching can never be replaced, but till the lockdown is in effect we all must try to use whichever tool is available for the benefit of children,” said Mude.