New Delhi, Dec 21 (IANS) The Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) intends to start a dedicated TV Channel for science and technology Dec 23, an official said. “The test transmission will start Dec 23 (and it will run) from 8-10 p.m. Initially, the programmes will be in English and Hindi,” said IGNOU vice-chancellor V.N. Rajasekharan Pillai.

“The science programmes would be available on Gyan Darshan-2 which is placed on the DTH (Direct To Home) platform of DD Direct Plus and it is being also carried by a few other DTH service providers,” the IGNOU said in a statement.

“There is a long-felt need of IGNOU and various educational organisations, scientific organisations for an exclusive TV channel devoted to the science and related areas,” the statement added.

“The channel will contain educative and entertaining programmes which would enable the people to understand issues of their concerns and address these through a participatory process,” it further said.

It would cater to all age groups with the objective of helping people realise the need and importance of various aspects of science.

The channel would cover various scientific fields, including aspects of sciences, application of sciences, scientific research, the history, philosophy, advancement in science, India’s heritage and social aspects of sciences.