Silchar: The Barak Democratic Front (BDF) has urged the Centre to revive the Doordarshan Kendra in Silchar, saying the broadcaster once played a vital role in highlighting the news, culture, traditions and heritage of the Barak Valley but is now on the verge of closure due to neglect and outdated infrastructure.
In a statement, BDF Media Cell Convenor Jaydeep Bhattacharya said several major public sector projects in the Barak Valley had become defunct because of a lack of political will. He cited the closure of the Sugar Mill, Badarpur Textile Mill and Panchgram Paper Mill, and alleged that the Silchar Doordarshan Kendra was facing a similar fate.
He also expressed concern over what he described as the silence of public representatives and civil society on the issue.
Bhattacharya said former Member of Parliament Kabindra Purkayastha had played a key role in strengthening the Silchar Doordarshan Kendra, particularly in introducing local news bulletins. However, he alleged that no meaningful efforts were made subsequently to modernise or preserve the facility.
Emphasising the need for technological upgradation, he said the revival of the centre would require the establishment of a dedicated satellite channel along with an earth station, as the existing terrestrial transmission system has become outdated.
According to him, the proposed channel could initially begin with 12 hours of daily programming before eventually being integrated into the national Doordarshan network.
He further said adequate recruitment of qualified and dedicated personnel would be essential for the successful operation of the satellite channel. The recruitment process, he added, should prioritise professionals with the expertise and commitment needed to establish and manage high-quality broadcasting services.
Bhattacharya maintained that the Barak Valley has no shortage of talented media professionals and said the region could significantly strengthen its media presence if adequate investment and institutional support were provided for the project.
Referring to recent developments, he claimed that Barak Valley MP Kanad Purkayastha has already initiated efforts to pursue the matter with the Central government. Welcoming the initiative, the BDF said it would extend all possible support to ensure the revival of the Silchar Doordarshan Kendra.
Bhattacharya also argued that the people of the Barak Valley, who contribute to the national exchequer like citizens elsewhere in the country, deserve a dedicated platform to showcase their culture, raise regional issues and represent their aspirations before national and international audiences.
He urged the government to recognise this demand and appealed to people across the region to support the campaign for the revival of the broadcaster.