Government approves changes in Cable TV Regulation Act

Mumbai: The Union cabinet has approved amendments to the Cable TV Networks (Regulation) Act, making it mandatory for cable operators to transmit channels operated by or on behalf of the Parliament.

"The cabinet's decision will enable consumers to view the parliamentary proceedings and other informative and educative programmes being transmitted by the channels operated by or on behalf of the Parliament of India," information and broadcasting minister P R Dasmunshi told reporters after the cabinet meeting.

The government will introduce the Cable TV Networks (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2006 for this purpose, he said.

The Cable TV Regulation Act requires every cable TV operator to get registered for the purpose of operating business. They have to compulsorily retransmit a minimum of two Doordarshan channels and use standard equipment for transmission.