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Govt to give 90% subsidy for starting community radio stations in northeast
The government will provide 90% subsidy for starting community radio stations in the northeastern states and 75% in other states of India.
Want to start your community radio station in your region? The government will help you go on air.
The government will provide 90% subsidy for starting community radio stations in the northeastern states and 75% in other states of India, Union minister M Venkaiah Naidu announced on Saturday at a conference of state ministers organised by the information and broadcasting ministry.
As per the present rules, the ministry gives a subsidy of 50% up to a limit of Rs 7.5 lakh for starting community radio stations.
Naidu also announced that a new dedicated Doordarshan channel for the northeastern states will come up in the first half of January. This channel will show the richness, variety and diversity of the local culture and seamlessly integrate these states with the rest of the country, he said.
Information and broadcasting minister of state Rajyavardhan Rathore said collaboration between states and Centre is the “bedrock for good governance” and there is a need to “move forward together as Team India” in scripting the development of the nation.
Later, when asked about reports of Uttar Pradesh government starting a news channel, Naidu said, “There has been no direct communication. Why are they communicating through you (media)?”
“I have not received any such information. If it comes, I have an open mind, but we will see it in light of the policies that are there,” he said.
The present act only allows Doordarshan and All India Radio to be state-owned public broadcasters. States do not have their own channels, he said.
