In an effort to increase the reach of grassroots radio in the country, the government has given in-principle approval to a proposal allowing MPs to donate part of their MPLAD funds to provide financial aid to community radios.
The information and broadcasting ministry has already proposed a corpus of Rs 170 crores for providing seed money or financial aid to community radios during the forthcoming 12th Plan period.
Sources stated the decision comes days ahead of the second national conference on community radio, scheduled for February 18.
I&B minister Ambika Soni had called for utilisation of MPLAD funds for promotion of community radio stations. The understanding behind the proposal being that the funds meant for their constituencies will help create awareness amongst the rural and backward communities. The concept of a dedicated fund for promotion of community radio stations is operational in several countries.
Sources stated that the ministry has issued letters of intent to 363 community radio stations, out of which 128 have become operational. The ministry has also instituted the National Community Radio Awards and the first national awards will be presented on February 18.
The second national conference aims to hold consultations between stakeholders and policymakers to take stock of the achievements of this sector of radio broadcasting in India and explore ways to take this movement to the next level. The government also hopes to analyse and assess the current community radio policy. It is understood that the government wants to increase the number of community radio stations as it feels that these are an cheapest and most effective means of to reaching out to the grassroots.