NEW DELHI: Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Rajyavardhan Rathore today said the Government stood committed in its objective to provide the last mile connectivity through various communication platforms including Community Radio which has been provided a big push through various initiatives.

He said the Ministry has increased the subsidy for setting up CRS from 50 per cent to 90 per cent in the North Eastern States and 75 per cent in other states subject to a maximum limit of Rs 7,50,000. In order to make it more participatory, varied set of participants including Universities and NGOs have been permitted to set up CR stations in the country.

Speaking with a UNESCO delegation led by its Assistant Director General for Communication & Information today in New Delhi Frank La Rue, the Minister said Community Radio will address the information needs at the grassroot level, providing updates on different local and relevant issues in their own language and dialect.

Regarding the issues related to freedom of Press, Rathore said that the Government believes in the philosophy of Self-Regulation.

The delegation apprised the Minister about the varied activities of UNESCO in the field of Media and Communication. Possible areas of collaboration with the Government were also highlighted by the delegation.

(Source: IANS)