Centre liberalises policy on community radio stations

Shimla, Jun 15 (UNI) The Centre has liberalised the policy for the setting up of community radio stations by non profit and voluntary organisations in the country, an official spokesman today said.

Besides, non profit and voluntary organisations, State Agriculture Universities (SAUs), ICAR institutions, Krishi Vigyan Kendras, Registered Societies Act would also be allowed to set up their stations, he said.

The spokesman said the new policy would allow greater participation of the civil society on issues relating to development and social change.

The community radio aims to bring communities together and focus on common man's day to day concerns, besides realising local aspirations as against FM stations, he said.

He said that it also provides a platform for the disemination of knowledge and information and an interactive forum for strengthening participatory democracy.

The community radio would focus on issues relating to education, health, environment, agriculture, rural and community development and be an effective tool for empowerment of the weaker sections, he said.

He said, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting would invite applications for the setting up of community radio stations every year and eligible applicants should apply on the prescribed format along with a processing fee of Rs 2,500.

UNI