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Srinagar, Oct 18 (UNI) The Union Information and Broadcasting Ministry would hold a two-day festival in the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir from 2007 to award the best performers.

This was announced by Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Priya Ranjan Dasmunsi here after launching seven FM Rainbow India channels in the state.

Mr Dasmunsi said the awards would be given to the best programmer, singer, musician and script writer of DD Kashir channel.

''The awardees will all be from Jammu and Kashmir. The festival would begin from 2007,'' he added.

The Union Minister said one day of the festival would be allocated for performance and the other for awards.

He also announced that for greater interaction between the people of Jammu and Kashmir and the Chief Minister, a programme has been planned which would be aired on Radio and Doordarshan every month alternatively for half an hour.

''Programmes such as these are very important in a crucial state like Jammu and Kashmir,'' the Union Minister said.

Mr Dasmunsi said the programme, Hello Chief Minister, would enable the people to directly interact with the Chief Minister.

''The Chief Minister would respond besides repeated discussions can be held to seek greater involvement of the people on policy making of the government,'' he added.

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