Ruling out an extension of the deadline for digitisation of cable television beyond October 31st, India’s Information and Broadcasting Minister Ambika Soni has said Delhi is lagging behind other cities in this process. Soni has met with Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit and asked her to ensure that all households having cable TV connection install a digital STB before the deadline.
“Only 70 per cent people in Delhi have installed the digital device while in Mumbai 90 per cent people have installed it. The percentage for Kolkata is 77 and for Chennai it is around 70,” she said. The Union Minister said though Delhi is lagging behind in installation of STBs, she was confident that 100 per cent household would install the digital device by October 31 as Dikshit has assured full implementation of the decision of I and B Ministry.
Resolving to implement the “major reform initiative”, the Union Minister said the deadline for installation of STBs in four metros is not going to be extended any further.”There is not going to be any extension of the
deadline.” Dikshit, asked about Delhi lagging behind other metros in installation of STBs, said government would soon launch a campaign to raise awareness of the issue.
The Information and Broadcasting Ministry had extended the earlier deadline of June 20th to October 31st following demand by cable operators.
