NEW DELHI: Doordarshan has tied-up with the National Council for Research and Training (NCERT) to share and disseminate its archival content in the form of educational DVDs.

The initial phase of the project would cover theatres of India, national symbols of India, Indian classical music (Vocal & Instrumental) and folk music and dance.This novel project by NCERT aims at bringing forth a ‘Teachers Handbook in Dance, Music and Theatre ', which will be supported by multi-media packages and DVDs. This endeavor, directed towards teachers and students will serve as multidimensional tool to disseminate arts in schools in an organised and effective manner.

As a first step, a MOU was signed today between Doordarshan Archives Additional Director General Anita Sinha and NCERT Secretary Sudeshna Sen. NCERT will identify and access the programmes available with DD-Archives. While DD will not charge NCERT for the programme content made available for the project, NCERT will pay for re-purpose, repackage and production of the identified programmes by NCERT.

NCERT will disseminate the final content at its own cost and not commercially exploit the same. The MOU will initially be for a period of three years and could be extended by mutual consent.

This first-of-a kind project for Doordarshan is in sync with the Government 's directive to share with other Government Departments and Ministries its archival wealth, which could be utilised for public use.