Three Day Community Radio Sammelan concludes

Operational issues of Community Radio Stations to be addressed on priority- Bimal Julka  

Secretary (I&B), Shri Bimal Julka, has said that the three day Community Radio Sammelan convened by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting provided critical inputs for harnessing the potential of the medium. As a medium CRS stations led the way in facilitating interactive platforms amongst the community enabling an opportunity for the local communities to highlight their success stories and learn from each other. As an outreach tool, the medium played an important role in facilitating information on key flagship schemes of the Government namely Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, Beti Bachao. Beti Padhao, Jan Dhan Yojna etc. Shri Julka stated this at the Valedictory session of the three day Community Radio Sammelan, which concluded here today. 

Regarding operational issues being faced by the stations, Secretary mentioned that the Ministry had been involved in discussions with concerned stakeholders at appropriate forums including the Inter-Ministerial Committee of CRS Stations. The objective was to ensure high trajectory of growth. He further stated that the Community Radios not only made people aware about their rights and entitlements, but acted as an important tool for empowerment of masses especially women and marginalized communities. As a platform it encouraged the local youth to main stream their talents. As a medium of communication, the CR Stations also promoted and acted as a repository of local folk songs and culture. The repository of rich heritage showcased across CR stations reiterated the diversity of the country in a language and form understood by the people. 

On the issue of interface of CR stations with the Directorate of Audio Visual Publicity (DAVP), Shri Julka mentioned that appropriate directions would be issued to the Media Unit to address all important issues including the enhanced presence of the medium across the media plans concerning the Central Government Ministries and Departments. Shri Julka also mentioned that appropriate steps were being taken to facilitate the enhanced role of CRS stations at the State level. In this context, a communication would be sent shortly to District Magistrates to proactively involve the stations in the dissemination of information. Secretary also assured the participants of the Sammelan that the inputs and suggestions given during the three day workshop would be included in the future policy planning and deliberations of the Ministry.