Question : License for Community Radio Broadcast Stations

(a) the number of applications received, listing name of each party and address for setting up of Community Radio broadcast stations, as allowed under the recently amended rules of the Government;
(b) the details and the number of licenses sanctioned from the above;
(c) the number of licenses not sanctioned along with the reasons therefor in each case; and
(d) whether the Government plans to undertake any policy review in view of the limited response to the above scheme and if so, the details of thereof?

THE MINISTER OF INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING; AND MINISTER OF YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS
(SHRI ANURAG SINGH THAKUR)

(a) The number of applications received for setting up of Community Radio Broadcast Stations till 13.07.2022 is 2450. A list, containing name and address of each applicant organization, is available on website of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting www.mib.gov.in. The link for accessing the document is available at https://mib.gov.in/sites/default/files/List%20of%20total%20applications%20received%20for%20setting%20up%20CRS.pdf

(b) A total of 366 licenses have been issued to organizations for setting up of Community Radio Stations, till 13.07.2022. The list of 366 licensees is available on the Ministry’s website www.mib.gov.in. The link for accessing the document is available at https://mib.gov.in/sites/default/files/List%20of%20total%20CRS%20licenses%20granted.pdf

(c) A total of 1643 applications have not been sanctioned licenses for setting up of Community Radio Stations in accordance with the Policy Guidelines for setting up of Community Radio Stations till 13.07.2022. The list of 1643 applications, indicating reason for non-sanction of licenses, is available on the Ministry’s website www.mib.gov.in. The link for accessing the document is available at https://mib.gov.in/sites/default/files/List%20of%20applications%20not%20sanctioned%20for%20setting%20up%20CRS.pdf

(d) The Government of India, in larger public interest, undertakes the review of the Policy Guidelines from time to time, to ensure that more and more eligible organizations come forward and apply for setting up of Community Radio Stations in the country. To facilitate ease of doing business in the sector, the Ministry has revamped its Broadcastseva Portal, for online submission of applications for grant of permission for setting up of Community Radio Stations. In addition, the Government of India has continued the Central Sector scheme, namely ‘Supporting Community Radio Movement in India’, with an enhanced outlay of Rs. 50 crores for period 2021-26.