Broadcasting Bill to check foreign channels : Jaipal ReddyNEW DELHI: The Broadcasting Bill introduced in Parliament would seek to regulate foreign satellite channels and bring them within the ambit of Indian laws and regulations. This would include a broadcasting code which inter-alia would provide for promotion of Indian culture and prohibition of obscenity etc, Information and Broadcasting Miniser Jaipal Reddy told Dada Baburao Paranjpe in a written reply on Thursday. More DD time for regional languages Jaipal Reddy, on Wednesday said regional languages would be given more time on Doordarshan to ensure fair coverages to all the states. The Minister, who was replying to a starred question in the Lok Sabha, said as of now Doordarshan is sparing four hours for regional languages which was being further expanded. On autonomy to the electronic media the Minister said a Bill to this effect was passed by both Houses of Parliament in 1990, and appealed to all political parties to extend full cooperation in implementing this.Phones on demand by '97 unlikelyCommunications Minister Beni Prasad Verma has said the objective of providing telephone on demand by 1997 is not possible due to delay in the entry of the private sector in the field of basic services. The minister told Sultan Salahuddin Owaisi in a written reply in the Lok Sabha that the Department of Telecommunications has submitted 9th Plan proposals to provide telephone on demand during the current plan period. This is envisaged to be achieved through the private sector supplementing the efforts of the government, he said. The National Telecom Policy, 1994, had envisaged provision of telephone connections on demand by 1997 withhelp from private sector.Meet to discuss Panchayati Raj BillPrime Minister I K Gujral is convening a conference of Chief Ministers and panchayati raj Ministers on August 2, to discuss the implementation of panchayati raj and local bodies legislation. Minister for Rural Areas and Employment Yerran Naidu told the Lok Sabha on Thursday that the conference will deal with various aspects of local government and increasing of financial assistance to them.
