Community Radio Stations to be run by non-profit entities:Gov

New Delhi, Nov 16 (UNI) The government today decided to allow non-profit organisations and educational institutions to set up and run community radio stations (CRS) for dissemination of information relating to agriculture, education, health and social welfare in rural communities.

The decision, taken at a Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, would strengthen decentralisation and participatory governance and enable dialogues within communities.

In 2002, the NDA government had allowed Universities to set up CRS.

The present UPA government felt it was necessary to involve more players in the activity for the growth of a vibrant CRS which would enhance pluralism and sustain diversity of cultures and languages, Information and Broadcasting Minister Priya Ranjan Dasmunsi told reporters.

The final approval for setting up such stations would be given by an inter-ministerial committee involving the Ministries of Home, Defence, I and B, Communications, Panchayati Raj and Rural Development.

These stations would not be allowed to deal with news and current affairs, the Minister clarified.

Among those not eligible to apply for a CRS license are individuals, political parties and their affiliate organisations, trade unions and other such wings, including students and women, organisations operating with a motive to earn profit and outfits banned by the Centre or any state government.

The eligible applicants include civil society and voluntary organisations, state agriculture universities' institutions, krishi vigyan kendras, registered societies and autonomous bodies and public trusts registered under Societies Act or any other act relevant for the purpose.

Such organisations should be at least three years old at the time of registration and should have an ownership and management structure. Programmes for broadcast should be relevant to the educational, developmental, social and cultural needs of the community.

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