In a momentous event, the Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Shri Anurag Thakur, bestowed the 8th and 9th National Community Radio Awards during the Inaugural Session of the two-day Regional Community Radio Sammelan (North) held at the Indian Institute of Mass Communication in New Delhi. The awards serve to acknowledge the outstanding efforts of Community Radio Stations in educating, informing, and connecting with the masses, especially in the remote corners of India.
Community Radio Stations: Fulfilling the Vision of Jan Bhagidari se Jan Andolan
Addressing the gathering on this occasion, Minister Anurag Thakur highlighted the pivotal role that Community Radio Stations play in fulfilling the vision of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s Jan Bhagidari se Jan Andolan, which translates to “People’s participation is a People’s Movement.” These stations act as a vital medium for engaging citizens and fostering a sense of collective responsibility toward the betterment of society.
Overcoming Challenges: Commendable Spirit of Nation Service
Minister Thakur praised the unwavering commitment of Community Radio Stations despite facing several challenges, such as Human Resource shortages, financial constraints, and a lack of external support. He commended their spirit of national service, as these stations have played a crucial role in keeping their listeners informed during calamities and emergencies.
Government’s Efforts to Promote Community Radio Stations
Anurag Thakur delved into the government’s efforts to promote Community Radio Stations and streamline their establishment process. He highlighted that the application process has now been made online through the Broadcast Seva Portal, reducing the time to acquire a license from around four years to just six months. The Minister assured that the Ministry is actively working to further expedite this process.
Expanding Reach and Popularity: A Positive Trend
The Minister also discussed the expanding reach of Radio in India, with over 80% of the geographical area and more than 90% of the population being covered by Radio. He mentioned the recent auction of 808 channels in 284 cities under the 3rd batch of e-auction, signaling the government’s commitment to further extending the reach of Radio.
Creating a Network for Knowledge Sharing and Replication
Expressing the need for a platform to share experiences and ideas among Community Radio Stations, Shri Thakur envisioned the creation of a network that would enable these stations to collaborate and replicate the best practices across the country. He emphasized that this collective effort could transform the stations into a powerhouse of innovative ideas.
