Question : Community Radio Stations

a) the number of Community Radio Stations (CRS) functional/operational at present in the country, State/UT and location-wise targets set and response thereto;

b) whether the Government has identified the places to set up CRS in various parts of the country especially in rural and backward areas of the country and the funds sanctioned for the same;

c) if so, the details thereof, State/UT-wise including Bihar and Tamil Nadu along with criteria fixed to set up the same and the time by which the proposed CRS would be set up;

d) whether the Government has any proposal to simplify the application process for setting up CRS; and

e) if so, the details thereof and if not the reasons therefor?

THE MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE; MINISTER OF INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING; AND MINISTER OF HEAVY INDUSTRIES AND PUBLIC ENTERPRISES
[SHRI PRAKASH JAVADEKAR]

(a) At present there are 274 operational Community Radio Stations (CRSs) in the country. Setting up of CRS is a voluntary effort involving community participation. Hence, there are no set targets.

(b) & (c) Ministry has been maintaining a list of Community Radio (CR) dark districts in the country. The State/UT-wise list of 237 CR dark districts is available on Ministry’s website www.mib.nic.in. Ministry organizes workshops at regional level for creating awareness amongst prospective applicants of Community Radios about CR Policy and the Community Radio Support Scheme. Every year Awareness Workshops are usually conducted.

(d) & (e) Simplification of application process is a continuous process, which is done from time to time after consultation with all stakeholders.

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