'122 pvt FM channels to go on air by March 08'

New Delhi, Nov 27: As many as 122 FM radio stations, for which agreements have been signed with private broadcasters, are expected to become operational by March next year, the Lok Sabha was informed today.

Besides, the Government has also invited tenders for allotment of 97 vacant channels, Information and Broadcasting Minister Priya Ranjan Dasmunsi said in a written reply.

At present, there are 144 private FM stations and 168 AIR FM stations, he said.

X X X SANDALWOOD: A total of 41 applications were received by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade for issuance of import licence for sandalwood during 2006-07, Minister of State for Commerce Jairam Ramesh said.

Import licence was issued in one case, in consultation with the Environment and Forests Ministry, he added.

X X X SEZ: The Government has not received any proposal from the United States Chief Executive Officers Forum for setting up of a special economic zone, Mr Ramesh said.

UNI