New Delhi, Mar 9 (IANS); Prasar Bharati launched, here on Saturday, 11 more state Doordarshan channels, including five for northeast through DD Free Dish, to widen the reach and accessibility of the government broadcaster.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated people of Chhattisgarh, Goa, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura and Uttarakhand for getting their own Doordarshan channels on satellite network through DD Free Dish.

"Glad to note that Prasar Bharati has brought 11 more state DD Channels on the satellite footprint of India through DD Free Dish. This includes five channels for north-eastern states. This will go a long way in strengthening regional cultures and fulfilling people's aspirations," he said.

These channels represented "the regional aspirations" of the local population, he added.

Providing a satellite network will not only increase visibility of these channels, but also give them an all-India presence, according to an official statement.

"The increased accessibility to regional broadcast will help promote regional culture and give opportunities to local talent," the Prime Minister said.