160 community radio stations operational in country today

Information and Broadcasting Secretary, Bimal Julka said that community radio is one of the strongest media for the most vulnerable people of society, especially, the rural population.

He was addressing the 4th National Community Radio Sammelan in Delhi today. Mr Julka said, the responsibility of community radio is much more due to digital divide.  He also mentioned that this medium has greater scope in dissemination of traditional knowledge, local needs of information and positive role in social inclusion and disaster management.

Prasar Bharti CEO, Jawhar Sircar described community radio as a preserver of traditional heritage and folklore. He said, considering the importance of the medium, the government is now playing a role of facilitator instead of only license issuing agency. Our Correspondent reports that 400 licenses for community radio stations have been given by I&B Ministry, out of which 160 stations are functional and contributing through their creativity.