(a) whether the Government has proposed any scheme to set up small radio stations;
(b) if so, the details thereof ;
(c) the benefits of these small radio stations;
(d) the number of such small radio stations set up after launch of this scheme, State-wise and its objectives; and
(e) the location-wise radio stations proposed to be set up.?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING [COL RAJYAVARDHAN RATHORE (Retd.)]
(a) & (b) Government grants permissions to set up low power FM Community Radio Stations (CRSs) under the Policy Guidelines for setting up of Community Radio Stations in India, issued in the year 2006. These guidelines are available at Ministry''s website, www.mib.nic.in.
(c) Community Radio Stations play an active role in the information dissemination amongst the community, thereby creating awareness and social responsibility. These Stations cater to the needs and aspirations of the communities at grass root level.
(d) At present 201 Community Radio Stations are operational across the country. State/UT-wise details are at Annexure.Policty guidelines for setting up of Community Radio Station (CRS) in India prescribe that the basic objective of the Community Radio broadcasting is to service area of the permission holder by involving members of the community in the broadcast of their programmes. The programmes should be of immediate relevance to the community. The emphasis should be on developmental , agricultural, health, educational, environmental, social welfare, community development and cultural programmes.
(e) Grant of permission to organisations to set up Community Radio Stations is a continuous process. Eligible organisations can apply to set up Community Radio Station in any part of the country.
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