NEW DELHI: A communication would be sent shortly to District Magistrates to proactively involve community radio stations (CRS) in the dissemination of information, as part of steps that are being taken to facilitate the enhanced role of CRS stations at State level.

Addressing the closing session of the fifth Community Radio Sammellan, Information and Broadcasting Secretary, Bimal Julka said appropriate directions would be issued to the Directorate of Advertising and Visual Publicity to address all important issues including the enhanced presence of the medium across the media plans concerning the Central Government Ministries and Departments.

He assured participants of the Sammelan that the inputs and suggestions given during the three-day workshop would be included in future policy planning and deliberations of the Ministry. 

Regarding operational issues being faced by the stations, the Secretary mentioned that the Ministry had been involved in discussions with concerned stakeholders at appropriate forums including the Inter-Ministerial Committee of CRSs.

He said the Sammelan convened by the Ministry provided critical inputs for harnessing the potential of the medium. As a medium, CRSs led the way in facilitating interactive platforms amongst the community, enabling an opportunity for the local communities to highlight their success stories and learn from each other. As an outreach tool, the medium played an important role in facilitating information on key flagship schemes of the Government namely ‘Swachh Bharat Abhiyan’, ‘Beti Bachao. Beti Padhao’, ‘Jan Dhan Yojna’ etc.

He said the objective was to ensure high trajectory of growth, adding that community radios not only made people aware about their rights and entitlements, but acted as an important tool for empowerment of masses, especially women and marginalised communities. As a platform it encouraged the local youth to mainstream their talents. As a medium of communication, the CRSs also promoted and acted as a repository of local folk songs and culture. The repository of rich heritage showcased across community radio stations reiterated the diversity of the country in a language and form understood by the people.