Radio can help create awareness about govt programmes

Expressing his ministry's support to the Community Radio movement, Information and Broadcasting secretary Bimal Julka today said the medium can play a key role in creating awareness about flagship programmes like 'Swachh Bharat' and 'Beti Bachao Beti Padhao' as it connects with the grassroots.
Julka complimented states like Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh and Karnataka where this movement has prospered.
"The flagship programmes of the government as you are well aware of, whether it is Beti Bachao-Beti Padhao or Swachh Bharat or Digital India or Make in India, all these programmes will be successful, once you try and disseminate information at grassroots level. The idea is to create awareness about these programmes on emerging technologies," he said.

Speaking at the 5th National Community Radio Sammelan, the I&B secretary said emerging ideas meant for welfare of masses, attract association and participation if disseminated through mediums like Community Radio.
This movement, he added, is an excellent platform to bring together local talent to the mainstream.
Julka said that to simplify and modify procedures for grant of permissions to Community Radios, various ministries sit on one platform on almost a monthly basis and deliberate on the proposals.

The government feels it is better to "counsel and interact" rather then just reject the applications outrightly because Community Radio is more of a social movement.

That is why, there is a "participative and interactive" approach, he said, emphasising that Community Radio stations should ensure that they follow highest standards in broadcasting.
Julka said there are presently 170 Community Radio station and more applications are under process.
While this medium has spread well in states like Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh and Karnataka, the reason why it has not penetrated in some other states as much, needs to be looked into, he said.
Addressing certain concerns, Julka said that there are some issues regarding DAVP, so there will be a representative of DAVP also in the Inter-ministerial committee that looks into clearances for Community Radio.