Minister for Information & Broadcasting, Shri Manish Tewari has said the information dissemination policy of the Government had been broad based to ensure that a liberal information order was prevalent within the country. The perusal of such policies had ensured that the media landscape grew simultaneously offering new opportunities for growth for the media domains in different sectors including the new media. Shri Tewari stated this at the release function of India-2014' and 'Bharat-2014' Reference Annual here today.

Further speaking on the occasion, the Minister highlighted the growth attained in different sectors of the Information & Broadcasting space in the last ten years. Regarding the broadcasting sector, Shri Tewari said the number of TV channels in the country had increased from 130 in 2004 to 786 in 2014. With the successful implementation of FM Phase-I and II, 245 FM channels have been established since 2005 which would be further increased to 839 after FM Phase-III. With the active support from Ministry to the Community Radio movement in the country, the Government had been successful in establishing a partnership for community information dissemination at the grass roots, which had led to customization of information dissemination in the far flung areas. Regarding the new media space, Shri Tewari stated that the creation of the New Media Wing had enabled the government to institutionalize its presence in the new information order. This had also led to the government's perspective being connected to stakeholder in the given space.

While releasing 'India-2014' and 'Bharat-2014', the Minster said the publication provided exhaustive and authentic repository of information about the activities, progress and achievements of various ministries and departments of Government of India during the year since 1957. In this context, the minister mentioned that the publication provided a comprehensive and authentic information about the country's march towards inclusive growth.

Earlier, soon after his arrival at the venue, the MIB flagged off the book van of Publication Division. Stocked with books and journals the "Books On Wheels" would begin its journey from today with its first halt at R.K. Puram, New Delhi, from 5 pm to7 pm. The van would be stationed at ISTM near JNU on 13th, 14th, 20th & 21st February, (11 am to 6 pm). The van would be available at Mukharjee Nagar on 15th and 24th February, (from 11 am to 3 pm) while at S.G.T.B. Khalsa College, North Campus, 17th, 18th & 25th February (11 am to 6pm). At Jamia Milia Islamia University the van would be stationed at Arts Faculty on 19th & 26th February (11 am to 6pm).