Majority kids won’t benefit from T-SAT channels

IT dept has requested DTH operators to offer T-SAT channels in their service packages

The state government has decided to begin classes for state board school children later this month by telecasting lessons on TSAT channels. This strategy could end up excluding a large number of children as most DTH operators still do not offer TSAT channels in their service packages.

The decision to broadcast lessons was announced by education minister Sabitha Indra Reddy in a review meeting on Monday evening. She had said that children studying in classes six to 10 would be aired on T-SAT and Doordarshan channels from August 20; lessons for those studying classes three to five would begin on September 1.

T-SAT is run by SoFTNET, which falls under the state IT department. It operates four channels — T-SAT1, Disha, Nipuna, Vidya — which can be accessed via TSAT’s official YouTube channel or mobile application. This would defeat the purpose for many students who don’t have access high-speed mobile broadband internet.

The education department, as a stop-gap measure, is learnt to have employed Doordarshan channels air some of to to or the lessons. However, the sheer number of subjects and lessons that will need telecasting, the success of the department’s strategy depends mainly on T-SAT channels.

R. Shailesh Reddy, CEO of SoFTNET, admitted that while T-SAT channels are carried by most cable operators, they are absent from DTH services. “This will indeed be a problem for many children,” he admitted. He explained that the government has been asking the Union ministry of information and broadcasting to permit DTH operators to air its channels for nearly three years.

Reddy explained the logistics of airing the classes: “Education-based channels cannot work like entertainment channels. We only get around 14 hours’ worth of slots — say, from 5 am to 7 pm — to broadcast lessons. Students cannot be expected to join classes in the late evenings. T-SAT already has four channels which can spread out the classes. Doordarshan cannot do this.” Reddy added that T-SAT has the capacity to start four more channels, if the need arises.

Aware of the problem, the government has reached out to the I&B ministry. On August 4, Jayesh Ranjan, state IT secretary, wrote to Amit Khare, secretary, I&B ministry, asking it to declare education channels such as those operated by T-SAT as “must carry”. Ranjan noted that similar channels operated by the governments of Kerala (KITEVICTERS) and Gujarat (Vande Gujarat) have been given the “must carry” tag.

Speaking to Deccan Chronicle, Ranjan said that the IT department has reached out to the DTH operators directly and requested them to carry the channels. “A few have already agreed, while others are expected to comply in the next few days,” he said.

Ranjan admitted that things would be a lot easier if there is a national mandate from the I&B ministry to DTH operators. “This is something that is relevant for all states in the country,” he added.