March 11, 2025
Lok Sabha MP Kalipada Saren Kherwal’s Zero Hour mention on the demand from the people of Bengal for a dedicated Santhali channel on All India Radio and the need for permanent staff knowing Santhali at All India Radio Kolkata
Respected Chairperson, Sir, I, on behalf of the Santhal people of West Bengal, wish to state that a Santhali programme is being presently broadcast from the All India Radio, Kolkata at 6.05 p.m. daily from Gitanjali broadcasting slot of Bengal Channel for 30 minutes of duration. The Santhali programme in Akashvani, Kolkata is a very popular programme for the Santhal people since its inception on 15th August, 1975. The duration of broadcast of the Santhali programme is much lesser in comparison to the popularity of the programme. Another thing to be noted here is that no Programme Officer has been appointed as well as there is no permanent staff in the Santhali Section of Akashvani, Kolkata. The Santhali Section is run by a few contractual staff only. The Santhal people living across West Bengal have been demanding a dedicated Santhali broadcasting channel in All India Radio, Kolkata, since long. I found that the demand of the Santhal people is very legitimate, and I assure that the Santhal people have all aspects of contents to run a dedicated broadcasting channel in All India Radio, Kolkata, for Santhali. In view of the demands of a large number of radio listeners, through you, Sir, I would request the hon. Minister concerned to start a dedicated channel for broadcasting of Santhali programmes in All India Radio, Kolkata. I would also request you to appoint a Programme Officer who is well-versed with Santhali language and other permanent staff for smooth running of the programme. Thank you.
