In an effort to reach out to the aam aadmi, Union information and broadcasting ministry has decided to promote setting up of community radio stations across the country. The plan is to create awareness regarding government policies and programmes at grassroots levels.
Official sources stated that Union I&B minister Ambika Soni has taken keen interest in the promotion of community radio stations (CRS). She believes that it is the cheapest mode of reaching out to the masses. “The minister also believes that awareness regarding the inclusive community development and upliftment programmes being implemented by the UPA-II can also be done through these stations,” official sources stated.
As part of this effort the I&B ministry is promoting setting up of CRS by educational institutes and NGOs. According to government statistics, a total of 57 CRS have begun functioning in the country of these 46 are operated by educational institutes while 10 are operated by NGOs and one by Krishi Vigyan Kendra. In all letter of intent has been issued to 231 entities of which around 100 have signed agreements for starting the CRS.