Union Minister Vaishnaw Assures No Closure of Akashvani Pune News Division

Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting Ashwini Vaishnaw on Wednesday dispelled rumours regarding the closure of the news division at Akashvani (All India Radio) Pune, assuring that no such move has been proposed or considered by the government.

The clarification came during his visit to Pune for inaugurating railway development projects and flagging off new train services. At the Pune International Airport, Minister of State for Civil Aviation and Cooperation Murlidhar Mohol received Vaishnaw and raised the issue of the Akashvani unit's future, which had been a subject of concern among local journalists and listeners.

Mohol, who is also a Lok Sabha member from Pune, emphasised the importance of the news division to the region's linguistic and cultural fabric. He urged the Union Minister to ensure its retention. Responding to the representation, Vaishnaw categorically stated that the Central Government had "neither proposed nor considered" shutting down the facility.

The speculation about the Pune news division's closure had been circulating in recent weeks, reportedly triggered by ongoing reviews within Prasar Bharati, the autonomous body that runs Akashvani and Doordarshan. Employees and local media organisations had expressed apprehension, citing the station's decades-long service in broadcasting news, educational programmes, and emergency alerts.

Akashvani Pune, established in the mid-20th century, is one of Maharashtra's premier public broadcasting institutions. Its newsroom airs daily bulletins in Marathi, Hindi, and English, covering local, state, and national developments. The station has been instrumental in chronicling the social, political, and cultural evolution of the region. For many in rural and semi-urban areas, radio remains the most accessible and trusted source of information, making the continuity of such services critical.

Local journalist unions and civil society groups had previously submitted memoranda to the ministry, seeking a clear commitment to preserve the news division. They argued that any reduction in service would not only affect employees but also deprive citizens of a reliable news source, particularly in an era where misinformation is rampant. Vaishnaw's assurance has been welcomed as a victory for public broadcasting.

During his Pune visit, the Union Minister flagged off the Pune-Sainagar Shirdi Express and launched several railway infrastructure projects aimed at improving connectivity in the region. He highlighted the government's focus on modernising transport networks and enhancing passenger amenities. The inter-ministerial meeting also touched upon other issues of public interest, reflecting coordinated governance efforts.

Mohol expressed satisfaction with the minister's response, noting that Akashvani remains a vital public institution. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has been engaged in a digital overhaul of public broadcasting entities to keep pace with changing media consumption patterns. While this has involved evaluation of various units, officials confirm that the Pune news division remains integral to the network.

With nearly a century of service, Akashvani continues to be a cornerstone of India's media landscape. The Pune station, in particular, has nurtured journalistic talent and provided a platform for diverse voices. Its survival is seen as essential not just for employment but for the democratic role of public service broadcasting.

As of now, the news division continues its operations uninterrupted, and listeners can expect the same comprehensive coverage that has been its hallmark. The government's commitment to public broadcasting, as reiterated by the minister, signals that regional units like Akashvani Pune will receive the support they need to serve their communities.