Naidu launches new DD channel for AP

Vijayawada: Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu and the Union Minister for Urban Development and Parliamentary Affairs M Venkaiah Naidu here on Saturday launched 'Saptagiri', the new regional channel for Andhra Pradesh. The two leaders also rededicated the All India Radio station in honor of Pingali Venkayya, who gave the National Flag its basic design.

The two leaders visited the AIR station and the DD 'Saptagiri' station in the city and greeted the staff.

The Chief Minister thanked the Union Minister Venkaiah Naidu for bringing Doordarshan to the Andhra Pradesh State in just three months after coming to power.

He said the launch of 'Saptagiri' regional channel for the State in three months indicated the speed with which the State and the Central governments were working.

Referring to the AIR and DD stations in the new capital, the Chief Minister urged the heads of both institutions and also the Prasara Bharathi chief to provide latest technology to AIR and DD. He said the State government would extend total support to the Prasara Bharathi in developing AIR and DD.

Earlier, the Union Minister Venkaiah Naidu said the Central government would extend Rs 103 crore for development of the local DD station. He said he would take up the issue with the Central government, particularly with the Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Prakash Javadekar, to get the funds and develop AIR and DD in the new capital city.