MUMBAI: The ministry of information and broadcasting (MIB) has requested the state and the union territories to make necessary arrangements for uninterrupted services of cable operation. Although cable services have been included under essential services, some cable operators are facing issues to run operations due to the ongoing lockdown.

In a letter dated 1 April, the ministry mentioned that it has received complaints from some cable operators. The operators are facing issues in movement as they not being permitted by the local authorities in their operation.

“As you are aware, the government of India and the state or UT governments are taking necessary steps to prevent the spread of COVID-19. During the country-wide lockdown, in order to ensure uninterrupted operation of basic services, the government of India has issued various guidelines which include the uninterrupted flow of information networks including cable TV network operations,” MIB stated in the letter.

MIB also mentioned that cable service operators are mandated to show DD channels free of cost to all the subscribers. Since DD provides authentic government-related information, it is important that correct news should reach the public to check rumours and fake news.