MUMBAI: A Grant of Permission Agreement has been signed by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (I&B), Government of India to establish, maintain and operate a Community Radio Station (CRS) at Manav Rachna Education Society, Faridabad, Haryana.

The Community Radio Station is likely to be operational within three months as per the agreement. With this, the number of CRS will increase to 51 in the country.

A letter of intent has been issued to the society after recommendations of Inter Ministerial Committee and seeking requisite clearances from various Ministries.

The programmes broadcast from the community radio station will provide useful information to the community for their development as well as panel discussions, weather forecasts, entertainment, tips on health including information regarding free health melas organized by Manav Rachna Educational Institutions, free/subsidized OPD facilities in dental care and physiotherapy.

It will also promote social causes including prevention and eradication of AIDS, Thalassaemia, Dengue, Chickenguenia, Hemophilia, drug abuse etc.

The Ministry encourages setting up the Community Radio Station as it promises to provide an opportunity to the local communities to express themselves, share their views and particularly empower the women, youth and the marginalized groups to take part in local self governance and overall socio-economic and cultural development of the area.

It will also better inform the society about the developmental initiatives of Government and promote transparency in the implementation of the scheme.