New Delhi: Pending finalization of renewal policy and receipt of fresh security clearance, the Information and Broadcasting Ministry has decided to renew till 31 December Grant of Permission Agreement (GOPA) of community radio stations whose permissions have expired/expiring.

The renewal is till the end of the year or till the renewal of GOPA on regular basis based on receipt of fresh security clearance, whichever is earlier, from the date of expiry of the previous GOPA.

The ministry said the aim is to enable CRs to continue their operations on the existing terms and conditions.

The renewal of GOPA for the interim period will be subject to receipt of security clearance from Home Ministry; furnishing of bank guarantee of Rs 25,000 having validity up to the interim period 3l December, 2016; submission of an undertaking in the format released on 7 January, 2016 and is available on the Ministry website mib.nic.in.

All CRS whose validity of GOPA has expired or is expiring up to 31 December, 2016 have been requested to get their GOPA renewed and submit two original copies of the GOPA in the prescribed format along with an undertaking and bank guarantee having validity for the period up to 31 December, 2016.