Answer/सही जवाब: (1)
Explanation/विवरण: Television broadcasts for rural development programs in India began in 1977 as part of efforts to use mass media for education, awareness, and social development, particularly in rural areas.
Background & Key Developments:
-
Introduction of Television in India (1959):
-
Television was first introduced in India on 15 September 1959 as an experiment by Doordarshan (then part of All India Radio).
-
Initially, it was limited to Delhi and focused mainly on educational content.
-
Satellite Instructional Television Experiment (SITE) (1975-1976):
-
One of the most significant projects in India's rural development broadcasting was the SITE experiment, conducted between 1 August 1975 and 31 July 1976.
-
It used the American ATS-6 satellite to beam educational and development-oriented programs to 2400 villages across six states (Bihar, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Orissa, Rajasthan, and Andhra Pradesh).
-
The experiment aimed to use television to educate people about agriculture, health, hygiene, family planning, and literacy.
-
Formal Start of Rural Development Broadcasting (1977):
-
After the SITE experiment ended in 1976, its success led to the launch of television broadcasts specifically for rural development in 1977.
-
Doordarshan expanded its reach and started telecasting dedicated rural development programs, focusing on areas like agriculture, sanitation, women’s empowerment, and literacy.
-
Programs like "Krishi Darshan" (for farmers) became popular and played a crucial role in disseminating information about modern farming techniques and rural development policies.
Why is 1977 the Correct Answer?
-
1947: India got independence, but television had not yet been introduced.
-
1957: Television was still not available in India.
-
1967: Television existed but was very limited in urban areas; no structured rural development programs were broadcast.
-
1977: After the SITE experiment, rural development broadcasts became a permanent feature of Doordarshan's programming.
Impact of Rural Development TV Programs:
-
Helped increase agricultural productivity through awareness about new techniques.
-
Educated rural populations about health, family planning, and hygiene.
-
Supported literacy and women's empowerment efforts.
Thus, 1977 is the correct answer, marking the beginning of formal television broadcasts for rural development programs in India.
