Modi's 'Mann ki Baat' helped generate Rs. 30 crore: RTI
What's the story
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's monthly radio show has helped the state-owned radio broadcaster generate Rs. 30.28 crore, a Right to Information (RTI) query has found. According to the RTI reply, the 'Mann ki Baat' radio show's revenue exceeded the total expenditure incurred for the show's publicity four times. The radio show had first aired in 2014. Here are more details.
RTI
Government spent Rs. 7.29 crore on show's publicity
The RTI application had been filed by Aniket Gaurav, Times Now reported. The application had sought information on the total expenditure incurred on the show's publicity and the revenue it has generated since its premiere. The government has spent Rs. 7.29 crore on the show's publicity through various mediums, the RTI reply revealed. The show helped All India Radio generate Rs. 30.28 crore.
Politics
Opposition critical of advertising spend
The radio show has received criticism from Opposition parties over the advertisement expenditure. Rashid Alvi of the Indian National Congress also quipped that Modi should host the radio show daily to help boost India's ailing economy. Meanwhile, praising the PM's show, Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting Prakash Javadekar said he opposes the "politics of negativity by the Opposition."
Quote
Congress raising issues where there aren't any, says I&B Minister
Javadekar was quoted as saying by Times Now, "The Congress has been raising issues, where there aren't any." "Mann Ki Baat is the first initiative by any PM to have a direct dialogue with the people of the country," he added, "I compliment the PM for having this dialogue and we oppose the politics of negativity by the Opposition."
Information
Next 'Mann ki Baat' episode on November 29
Modi had last hosted the 'Mann ki Baat' show on October 25, 2020, where he spoke about the COVID-19 pandemic and the festive season while pushing his "vocal for local" campaign. The 71st edition of the talk show will be held on November 29.