Varma said that there was a need to spread Community Radio

stations to areas where the movement had not reached. He said that while there were stations in states like Tamil Nadu, in areas like the North East and Jharkhand, more needed to be done. The I&B ministry was now trying to create a single window mechanism which will make obtaining of clearances for those who want to set up Community Radio Stations much more convenient, he said. He said that the issue of sustainability of Community Radio stations is important and the ministry was thinking of ways in which this movement can be supported. He said apart from setting up a fund for Community Radio, other ideas were also being considered. The I&B secretary also asked Community Radio stations to focus on the needs of their communities in their programming content. Varma said that presently 40 per cent of the Community Radio stations were being run by Non Governmental Organisations and hoped that in the next ten years there participation would reach 90 per cent. The ministry will also be conferring national awards on Monday where I&B Manish Tewari will honour Community Radio stations in different categories.