FACT CHECK: Is Rs 8.3 crore, the cost of Mann Ki Baat’s each episode? Here is the reality of viral claim

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s monthly radio program ‘Mann Ki Baat’ achieved a historic milestone as the All India Radio (AIR) broadcasted its 100th episode this Sunday (April 30).

Soon after the program, some started circulating on social media that PM’s radio program costs dearly to the nation’s exchequer, to the tune of Rs 8.3 crore/episode and also questioned the rationale behind such extravagance on conveying just a message. It also said that till date, Prime Minister’s “Mann Ki Baat” has incurred an exorbitant cost of Rs 830 crore.

However, the viral claim has been found to be fake & misleading. The Press Information Bureau (PIB) in its fact check confirmed that this was nothing but malafide number, being spread with an intent to malign the government.

The PIB, nodal agency for putting government related information in public domain confirmed that Rs 8.3 crore was actually spent but not for one episode but it is the expense on advertisements for all the hundred editions till date.

Claim: PM’s one-day #MannKiBaat message costs 8.3 cr & 830 cr have been incurred so far on ads

▪️This Claim is #Misleading
▪️₹ 8.3 cr is total figure of ads for Mann ki Baat till said date, not for a single episode. Tweet assumes each episode is supported by ads. Which is false pic.twitter.com/oaYFYIgv1F

— PIB Fact Check (@PIBFactCheck) April 30, 2023

For the unversed, Mann Ki Baat series completed its 100th episode, this Sunday. The episode was also broadcasted live from United Nations headquarters in New York.

In the monthly radio program, Prime Minister talks about topics & matters close to his heart and routinely motivates all citizens to work towards realizing the country’s dream & potential, with collective strength & vision.

The Mann Ki Baat was first aired on October 3, 2014. It is regularly broadcasted at 11 AM on AIR & DD Network. It is also aired in many foreign languages including French, Chinese, Indonesian, Tibetan, Burmese, Baluchi, Arabic, Pashtu, Persian, Dari, and Swahili.