Communication in Bihar | BPSC Preparation: All subjects - BPSC (Bihar) PDF Download

Communication in Bihar

Communication plays a crucial role in the process of modernisation. Bihar is making steady progress in enhancing network connectivity, including through satellite technology. There are various means of communication in the state, including:

• Print Media: Newspapers and magazines are still considered important for mass communication, even with the rise of the internet and digital technology.
• Mass Communication: This includes telecommunication, All India Radio, Doordarshan, and postal services.
• Bihar Cinema: The cinema industry in Bihar is also growing.

Despite the advancements in technology, print media remains a significant means of communication in Bihar. Some of the important newspapers and magazines in the state include:

Newspapers in Bihar

English Newspapers

• Bihar Herald, established in 1875 by Guru Prasad Sen, holds the distinction of being Bihar's first English newspaper. This was followed by the Indian Chronicle, which began publication in Patna in 1881.
• During the early 20th century, nationalist figures introduced daily newspapers such as The Motherland (Mazharul Haq) and Bihar Standard. These publications played a crucial role in advocating for Bihar's status as a separate state.
• In 1894, Bihar Times was launched in Patna by Dr. Sachchidananda Sinha, Mahesh Narayan, Nand Kishore Lal, and Shri Krishna Sahay. Concurrently, The Beharee was founded by Maheshwar Prasad, contributing significantly to the demand for Bihar's statehood.
• In 1912, The Bihari transitioned into a daily newspaper, but its publication ceased in 1927.
• On July 15, 1918, The Beharee was succeeded by The Searchlight, with Sayyed Haider Ali as its first editor. By 1930, it had become a daily publication.
• In 1924, Mohammad Yunus, Bihar's first Prime Minister under the 1935 Act (where the Chief Minister was referred to as the Prime Minister), initiated the weekly Patna Times, which evolved into a daily newspaper by 1944.
• The Searchlight ceased publication in 1985 and was replaced by the Patna edition of Hindustan Times.
• In 1986, the Patna edition of the Times of India was launched.

Hindi Newspapers

• Bihar Bandhu, recognized as Bihar's first weekly Hindi newspaper, was initially published from Bihar Sharif in 1872 and later from Patna in 1874. Keshavram Bhatta and Madanmohan Bhatta were the publishers, with Hasan Ali serving as the first editor.
• Sarvahiteshi holds the title of Bihar's first daily Hindi newspaper, established in 1860.
• Other notable Hindi newspapers include Hindi Beharee (1913), Aryavrata (1941), Searchlight (1947), and Nav Bharat Times (1986).
• Janshakti, Prabhat Khabar, Dainik Bhaskar, and Sanmang are among the other Hindi newspapers published in Bihar.
• Dev Vani, based in Munger, and Akhyakam, published in Arrah, are notable Sanskrit magazines from Bihar.

Other Important Newspapers and Magazines in Bihar

Telecommunication in Bihar

• Connectivity: Bihar's cities are well-connected through telecommunication, facilitating personal communication, administrative tasks, and trade.
• Tele-density Improvement: Tele-density in Bihar improved from 54 in 2016 to 63 in 2018, indicating better telephone access. Tele-density measures the number of telephones per 100 people.
• Service Providers: Major telecommunication providers include Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL), Airtel, Vodafone, and Idea. BSNL covers all 38 districts of Bihar.
• Rural vs Urban Tele-density: In 2018, rural tele-density was 44, while urban tele-density was 221 per 100 population, highlighting a significant urban-rural divide.

Radio Stations in Bihar

• History: The first All India Radio station in Bihar was established in Patna on January 26, 1948, inaugurated by Home Minister Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel.
• Medium-wave Stations: Bihar has medium-wave radio stations in Patna, Bhagalpur, and Darbhanga, transmitting a variety of programs in languages like Hindi, Urdu, and Maithili.
• Number of Stations: There are around 8 All India Radio Stations in Bihar.
• Popular Programs: "Loha Singh" is the most popular program, along with others like Chaupal, Narijogat, and Shishu Mahal.
• FM Radio: There are 6 FM Radio Stations in Bihar, with 3 in Patna and one each in Muzaffarpur, Sasaram, and Purnea.

Doordarshan in Bihar

• Doordarshan, India's national public broadcaster, has a significant presence in Bihar. It began its journey in the state with the establishment of its first kendra in Muzaffarpur on August 14, 1978. This was followed by the inauguration of the Patna Doordarshan Kendra on October 13, 1980. Initially, broadcasts were in black and white, but Patna started colour broadcasting in 1982.
• Expansion in Bihar : Over the years, Doordarshan's service has expanded to various districts and cities across Bihar, including Patna, Gaya, Bhagalpur, and Darbhanga. The state is equipped with 5 high-capacity transmitters and numerous low-capacity transmitters, ensuring widespread coverage. Important Doordarshan Kendras in Bihar include Patna, Katihar, and Muzaffarpur.
• Private Television Channels : In addition to Doordarshan, Bihar is home to several popular private television channels, such as Mahuaa, Sudarshan, Sadhna News, and Hamar TV. These channels contribute to the diverse media landscape of the state.

Postal Services in Bihar

• Overview : Postal services in Bihar are a crucial and economical means of communication. The state is equipped with a speed post service that connects the capital, Patna, with other cities across India and facilitates communication with district headquarters within the state.
• Private Courier Services : Since 1990-91, private courier services have been introduced in select cities of Bihar, operating alongside traditional postal services. This has provided residents with additional options for sending and receiving mail.
• Foreign Postal Connections : Bihar is linked to approximately 166 countries through its foreign postal service, expanding the reach of postal communication beyond national borders.
• National Telex Service : Major cities in Bihar are equipped with national telex services, allowing subscribers to send messages to any part of the country. This service enhances communication within the state and across India.

Information Technology Initiatives in Bihar

The Government of Bihar has embarked on a journey to integrate information technology into its governance and administrative processes, commonly referred to as e-Governance. The aim is to achieve a comprehensive and computerized information technology framework within the state.

• Objectives and Initiatives : To realize this vision, the state government has set several objectives:
• Establishing IT Parks : The government plans to set up information technology parks to foster growth and development in the IT sector.
• Promoting IT Usage : There is a strong emphasis on using information technology across various sectors and departments to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
• Incorporating IT in Education : Information technology will be included in the syllabuses of engineering and polytechnic institutes to equip students with necessary skills.
• English Language Development : Starting from the third class, English will be introduced as a subject in all government schools to improve language proficiency among students.
• Infrastructure Development : To support these initiatives, around 3300 data nodes have been established in the secretariat premises in Patna and nearby government offices. This infrastructure will facilitate the smooth flow of information and data. Common Service Centres (CSCs) have also been set up in all 9 divisions of Bihar, providing access to various government services and information.
• Wifi Connectivity in Educational Institutions : Under the ‘Saat Nishchay Policy’, the state government has directed the connectivity of all colleges and universities with Wifi. This initiative aims to enhance access to information and digital resources for students and faculty.

Information And Communication Technology Policy, 2011

The Information And Communication Technology Policy, 2011 aims to position Bihar as a prime destination for IT industry investments and to foster the socio-economic development of the state. The policy focuses on several key objectives:

• Promoting Computer Literacy : The policy emphasizes the importance of computer literacy at the school level and aims to provide IT training to youth, enhancing their employability.
• Developing IT Infrastructure : Creating world-class IT infrastructure is a priority, making Bihar an attractive location for IT/ITES/EHM units.
• Attracting Investments : The policy seeks to attract investments from IT and IT-enabled services sectors, generating job opportunities for local youth.
• Establishing Legal Frameworks : An appropriate legal and regulatory framework will be prepared to ensure efficient administration of IT units, protecting intellectual property rights, patents, and trademarks.

Bihar Information Technology Investment Promotion Vision, 2017

The Bihar government aims to enhance the efficiency, accountability, and transparency of its services through Information Technology (IT). To establish Bihar as an IT hub, initiatives such as creating an IT city in Rajgir (Nalanda) and setting up an IT tower in Patna with reliable internet and power are underway. The main objectives of the IT Vision, 2017 include:

• Promoting the growth of a knowledge-based economy in Bihar, targeting a sector contribution of 15% to the GSDP.
• Bridging the digital divide between urban and rural areas.
• Building 'Brand Bihar' as a top investment destination for the IT sector and attracting major domestic and international IT companies within five years.
• Establishing good governance through technology-enabled reforms.
• Developing IT skills and capacity among at least 20,000 youths in Bihar over the next five years.

Cinema in Bihar

Films have been produced in various languages in Bihar, including Hindi, Bhojpuri, Maithili, Angika, and Magadhi.

• The first film from Bihar, "Punarjanma," was made in 1923 by Raja Rana Jagannath Prasad Sinha ‘Kinkar’ of Aurangabad.
• The first Bhojpuri film, "Ganga Maiya Tohe Piyari Chhadhaibo," was released in 1963, produced by Vishwanath Shahabadi.
• "Kanyadan," released in 1965, was the first Maithili film directed by Phani Majumdar.
• "Kal Hamara hai" is recognized as the first Hindi film from Bihar.
• Phani Majumdar also directed the first Magahi film, "Bhaiyaa," released in 1961.

Cinema Personalities of Bihar

Important cinema personalities of Bihar are given below:

Ashok Kumar

• Birth and Early Life: Born on October 13, 1911, in Bhagalpur, Bihar, Ashok Kumar, originally named Kumudlal Ganguly, later gained fame in the Indian film industry.
• Film Career: He began his acting career in 1936 with the film “Jeevan Naiya” and became affectionately known as “Dadamoni.”
• Awards and Recognition: Throughout his career, he received numerous prestigious awards, including the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (1959), Filmfare Best Actor Award (1962), National Film Awards for Best Actor (1969), Dadasaheb Phalke Award (1988), and Padma Bhushan (1999).
• Death: Ashok Kumar passed away on December 10, 2001, leaving behind a legacy as one of India’s beloved film actors.

Shatrughan Sinha

• Early Life: Born on July 15, 1946, in Patna, Bihar, Shatrughan Sinha is known for his contributions to Indian cinema and politics.
• Acting Career: He gained fame as a film actor before transitioning into a political career.
• Awards: Sinha received several accolades for his acting, including the Bengal Film Journalists Association Awards (1973), Stardust Award for Lifetime Achievement (2003), and IIFA Awards for Outstanding Contribution to Indian Cinema (2014).

Prakash Jha

• Background: Born on February 27, 1952, in Bettiah, West Champaran, Bihar, Prakash Jha is a prominent film producer, director, and screenplay writer.
• Notable Works: He is renowned for his political and socio-political films, including “Damul” (1984), “Mrityudand” (1997), “Gangaajal” (2003), “Apaharan” (2005), “Raajneeti” (2010), “Aarakshan” (2011), and “Chakravyuh” (2012).
• Documentaries: Jha has also produced award-winning documentaries such as “Face After The Storm” (1984) and “Sonal” (2002), showcasing his diverse talent in filmmaking.

Alok Nath

• He was born on July 10, 1956, in Khagaria, Bihar. He is famously known as 'Sanskaari Babuji.'
• His film career began with the movie 'Gandhi' in 1982, a film that won the Academy Award for Best Picture the same year.
• Alok Nath has also appeared in numerous daily soaps such as 'Buniyad,' 'Rishtey,' 'Sapan Babul Ka Bidaai,' and 'Yeh Rishta Kya Kahlata Hai,' among others.

Manoj Bajpai

• He was born on April 23, 1969, in Narkatiaganj, West Champaran.
• He is an actor in Hindi, Telugu, and Tamil films and has received two National Film Awards, four Filmfare Awards, and the Padma Shri Award in 2019.
• Bajpai made his debut in feature films with a brief role in  Drohkaal  (1994) and a minor part as a dacoit in Shekhar Kapur's  Bandit Queen  (1994). His breakthrough came when he played gangster Bhiku Mhatre in Ram Gopal Varma's  Satya  (1998).
• For his role in  Satya  , Bajpai won the National Film Award for Best Supporting Actor and the Filmfare Critics Award for Best Actor.

Manoj Tiwari

• He was born on February 1, 1971, in Atarwalia village, Kaimur district, Bihar.
• Manoj Tiwari is a Bhojpuri film actor, singer, and politician.
• His acting career began with the film  Sasura Bada Paisawala  in 2003.
• In politics, he contested the 15th Lok Sabha elections in 2009 from the Samajwadi Party in the Gorakhpur constituency.
• Tiwari won the North-East Delhi seat in the 2014 and 2019 Indian General Elections as a candidate for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Sushant Singh Rajput

• He was born on January 21, 1986, in Patna, Bihar, with ancestral roots in Maldhiha, Purnea district. Rajput was an Indian film actor, dancer, and television personality.
• His acting career began with television serials such as  Kis Desh Mein Hai Meraa Dil  and  Pavitra Rishta  . He made his film debut in  Kai Po Che!  in 2014. Rajput received several awards for his acting, including the Indian Television Academy Award (2010), Indian Telly Awards (2009), and Kalakar Awards (2011). In 2018, he was appointed by NITI Aayog to promote the Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP).

Sonakshi Sinha

• She was born on June 2, 1987, in Patna, Bihar. Sonakshi Sinha is an Indian film actress and the daughter of actor and politician Shatrughan Sinha.
• Her acting career began with the film  Dabangg  in 2010, for which she won the Filmfare Award for Best Female Debut. She has appeared in several popular films, including  Rowdy Rathore  (2012),  Son of Sardar  (2012), and  Dabangg 2  (2014). Sinha has received numerous awards for her acting, including the Filmfare Award for Best Female Debut (2011) and the Zee Cinema Award (2014).