NEW DELHI: District magistrates of Indian states have been asked to proactively involve community radio stations in the dissemination of information regarding government policies. 

A communication on the same will be sent across to District Magistrates soon. The move is a part of steps that are being taken to facilitate the enhanced role of CRS stations at the state level.

Addressing the closing session of the fifth Community Radio Sammelan, Information and Broadcasting secretary Bimal Julka said that 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.

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

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

He said the Sammelan convened by the Ministry provided critical inputs for harnessing the potential of the medium. As a medium, CRS stations 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’ and ‘Jan Dhan Yojna’ amongst others. 

Julka also said that the objective was to ensure high trajectory of growth. He added 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 marginalized communities. As a platform, it encouraged the local youth to mainstream their talents. As a medium of communication, the CR Stations also promoted and acted as a repository of local folk songs and culture. The repository of rich heritage showcased across CR stations reiterated the diversity of the country in a language and form understood by the people.