Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Singh Thakur inaugurated the 24-hour telecast service of Doordarshan Kendra, Shimla yesterday, which could lead to more local employment.

While addressing the gathering at the unveiling of the 24×7 service of pubcaster Doordarshan, Thakur said that keeping in view the long-standing demand of the local people, Doordarshan Kendra Shimla’s telecast has been dedicated to the people.

According to an official statement put out by the Press Information Bureau, the Minister said that with the commencement of the 24-hour telecast from DD Himachal, not only the news of the State, but also the local culture and traditions would get national and international-level recognition.

Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh Sukhwinder Singh was the Guest of Honour on the occasion, while Deputy Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh Mukesh Agnihotri, Shimla constituency Member of Parliament Suresh Kashyap and Prasar Bharati CEO Gaurav Dwivedi were also present on the occasion.

While talking about the rich cultural heritage of Himachal Pradesh, Thakur said the 24-hour TV channel will telecast the important tourist destinations, religious places, sports, adventure, local handicraft, artisans and stories related to the lives of the local brave soldiers.

As the Himachal DD channel would be on the DD FreeDish platform too, Thakur said Himachalis living in other parts of the country can remain in touch with their roots and culture.

Remembering his childhood days of watching ‘Chitterhaar’ on Doordarshan, Thakur suggested that a programme similar to the popular DD show featuring Hindi film songs be started on the newly launched channel to promote Himachali folk music.

Prasar Bharati CEO Dwivedi said that in addition to providing employment possibilities for residents of the State, the channel will appoint news anchors and camera operators. He expressed hope that DD Himachal would live up to the expectations of the people of the State.