Question : Community Radio Stations for Tribal Community

a) whether the Government has failed to achieve its objectives of Community Radio Stations (CRS) in the country;
b) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor;
c) whether the Government has formulated any scheme for starting CRS for tribal community in the country;
d) if so, the details thereof and the States in which the said radio service has been started/likely to be started;
e) whether the Government also proposes any special schemes for promotion of CRS in border areas of the country and if so, the details thereof; and
f) the other steps taken by the Government to promote and popularize the community radio stations in the country?

THE MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) IN THE MINISTRY OF INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING [COL RAJYAVARDHAN RATHORE (Retd.)]

(a) & (b) No, Madam.

(c) to (e) The Scheme formulated by Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (MIB) namely “Supporting Community Radio Movement in India” includes promoting growth of Community Radio Stations (CRS), especially in remote, rural and poverty-stricken areas. MIB is also making an effort to encourage setting up of CRS in all Aspirational Districts (which includes tribal areas also), in consultation with NITI Aayog. Ministry has recently approved applications for CRS from 11 educational institutions funded by Government/Army located in the border areas of J&K and North East with a view to sensitise and ensure involvement of citizens in these areas.

(f) This Ministry organizes CR awareness workshops and National Sammelans to spread awareness about setting up of CR Station. Till date, 80 Awareness Workshops and 6 National Sammelans have been conducted.