NEW DELHI: A total of 82 community radio stations have become operational in India, according to data available till 31 July.

The Information and Broadcasting Ministry has so far issued 233 Letters of Intent and 110 organisations have been signed Grant of Permission Agreement (GOPA) with the Ministry.

The number of community radio stations was 57 in May 2010.

This was announced by Minister of State for I&B CM Jatua while launching the "Online Application System" for Community Radio Stations, developed by Ministry in association with Commonwealth Educational Centre for Asia (CEMCA).

The applicants can now apply online by clicking the hyperlink on the Ministry's home page. In order to bring further transparency in the system, it is also proposed to develop an online tracking system through which applicants can trace the status of their applications through a Pass Word and ID.

This is a simple software which can be accessed easily from anywhere in the country by a person who is interested to apply on line. For the benefit of the applicants, a filled-in model application is also available on line.

The application can be simultaneously sent to Ministries concerned for quicker clearance. It will facilitate quicker and easier communication with the applicant organisations through their email IDs provided with the Online System.

The Ministry will get a daily update on the total number of applications filed category-wise and State-wise.