Two new DD channels - DD Rajya Sabha and
DD  Lok Sabha - will be launched on Dec 14 for  live  telecasting
the  proceedings  of both the Houses across the  country,  Prasar
Bharti CEO KS Sarma announced in the Capital today.

Sarma said that initially the two channels would be launched in a
`satellite mode' for ten days i.e. from Dec 14 to 24. Whole day's
parliament  proceedings in both the Houses will be telecast  from
11  a.m.  till they conclude, he said adding "very soon  we  will
convert them into 24-hour channels," he added.

He  further said that from the Budget Session onwards,  which  is
likely to take place in February, the channels would be  telecast
in  a proper manner. Lok Sabha Speaker and Rajya  Sabha  Chairman
have  already  given  their approval for  these  channels,  Sarma
added.

Speaking on the occasion, Lok Sabha Secretary General GC Malhotra
said with these new channels the people across the country  would
have  direct access to the parliamentary proceedings.  They  need
not  depend  on private channels to watch  their  representatives
performing inside the Parliament, he said adding that the general
public   will  also  get  opportunity  to  watch  important   and
meaningful  debates  and  discussions ahead of  passing  of  rail
budget, general budget and the motions of thanks.

On  the  occasion,  the Prasar Bharti also  held  an  interactive
session with the cable operators. Addressing the cable operators,
Sarma  made  an appeal to them that they should come  forward  to
telecast   the   new   channels  taking   it   as   a   "national
responsibility". (ANI)