Lok Sabha Question No. 569 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-02-06
Subject: Technology for Community Radio Stations
Ministry: INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING
Asked by: Anurag Sharma

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING

LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 569 (TO BE ANSWERED ON 06.02.2024)

## TECHNOLOGY FOR COMMUNITY RADIO STATIONS:-

## 569. SHRI ANURAG SHARMA:

Will the Minister of INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING be pleased to state:

- (a) the details of existing framework and technology for Community Radio Stations;
- (b)  whether  it  is  a  fact  that  Community  Radio  stations  can  play  a  significant  role  in empowering rural and remote communities by helping them disseminate crucial information and proliferate their culture, practices, songs and if so, the details thereof;
- (c) the number of Community Radio stations in the country, State-wise and particularly in Uttar Pradesh and Jhansi Parliamentary Constituency;
- (d)  whether  the  Government  has  in  place  a  framework/guideline  to  support  existing community radio stations or set up new community stations; and
- (e) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING; AND MINISTER OF YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS (SHRI ANURAG SINGH THAKUR)

- (a) A Community Radio Station is a low power FM Radio Station, having a reach of 5-10 Km.  As  per  provisions  of  the  Policy  Guidelines  for  setting  up  of  Community  Radio Stations  (CRS)  in  India, NGOs, Registered  Societies,  Autonomous  Bodies  and  Public Trusts  registered  under  the  Societies  Act  or  any  other  such  act,  State  Agriculture Universities  (SAUs),  Indian  Council  of  Agricultural  Research  (ICAR)  institutions, Krishi  Vigyan  Kendras, Educational  institutions  are  eligible  to  apply  for  setting  up  of Community Radio Stations. The organization should be explicitly constituted as a 'nonprofit' organisation and should have a proven record of at least three years of service to the local community. A transmitter having maximum Effective Radiated Power (ERP), of 100 W shall be used for transmission.
- (b) As per provisions of the 'Policy Guidelines for Setting up Community Radio Stations (CRS) in India', the programmes broadcast by the Community Radio Stations should be of  immediate relevance to the community. The emphasis should be on developmental, agricultural, health, educational, environmental, social welfare, community development and  cultural  programmes.  The  programming  should  reflect  the  special  interests  and needs of the local community. Further, at least 50% of content shall be generated with the participation of the local community, for which the station has been set up.
- (c) A s on date 01.02.2024, a total of 481 Community Radio stations have been set up in the country. In the State of Uttar Pradesh, a total of 58 Community Radio Stations are set up. There is no Community Radio station in the Jhansi Parliamentary Constituency

State-wise number of Community Radio Stations set up in the country are provided in Annexure-A. List of Community Radio Stations set up in Uttar Pradesh is provided in Annexure-B.

(d) & (e) The Ministry has approved a Central Sector scheme titled 'Supporting Community Movement in India', with an outlay of Rs. 50 crore for the period 2021-2026. Under the said Scheme,  a financial assistance upto Rs.10  lakh is provided  towards setting up of infrastructure to new and existing Community Radio Stations. Besides this, the Ministry also conducts Community Radio awards, awareness workshops, capacity building workshops and Regional Community Radio Sammelans.

*****

Annexure - A Details mentioned in answer to part (c) of Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No. 569

## dated 06.02.2024

| List of Operational Community Radio Stations in India (as on 01.02.2024)   | List of Operational Community Radio Stations in India (as on 01.02.2024)   | List of Operational Community Radio Stations in India (as on 01.02.2024)   |
|----------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Sr. No.                                                                    | Name of State                                                              | No. of Commissioned Stations                                               |
| 1.                                                                         | Andaman and Nicobar Islands                                                | 1                                                                          |
| 2.                                                                         | Andhra Pradesh                                                             | 11                                                                         |
| 3.                                                                         | Arunachal Pradesh                                                          | 2                                                                          |
| 4.                                                                         | Assam                                                                      | 5                                                                          |
| 5.                                                                         | Bihar                                                                      | 13                                                                         |
| 6.                                                                         | Chandigarh                                                                 | 5                                                                          |
| 7.                                                                         | Chhattisgarh                                                               | 14                                                                         |
| 8.                                                                         | Delhi                                                                      | 5                                                                          |
| 9.                                                                         | Gujarat                                                                    | 15                                                                         |
| 10.                                                                        | Haryana                                                                    | 23                                                                         |
| 11.                                                                        | Himachal Pradesh                                                           | 7                                                                          |
| 12.                                                                        | Jammu and Kashmir                                                          | 8                                                                          |
| 13.                                                                        | Jharkhand                                                                  | 3                                                                          |
| 14.                                                                        | Karnataka                                                                  | 25                                                                         |
| 15.                                                                        | Kerala                                                                     | 22                                                                         |
| 16.                                                                        | Ladakh                                                                     | 1                                                                          |
| 17.                                                                        | Madhya Pradesh                                                             | 41                                                                         |
| 18.                                                                        | Maharashtra                                                                | 50                                                                         |
| 19.                                                                        | Manipur                                                                    | 4                                                                          |
| 20.                                                                        | Meghalaya                                                                  | 1                                                                          |
| 21.                                                                        | Nagaland                                                                   | 1                                                                          |
| 22.                                                                        | Odisha                                                                     | 41                                                                         |
| 23.                                                                        | Puducherry                                                                 | 2                                                                          |
| 24.                                                                        | Punjab                                                                     | 9                                                                          |
| 25.                                                                        | Rajasthan                                                                  | 27                                                                         |
| 26.                                                                        | Sikkim                                                                     | 1                                                                          |
| 27.                                                                        | Tamil Nadu                                                                 | 46                                                                         |
| 28.                                                                        | Telangana                                                                  | 10                                                                         |
| 29.                                                                        | Tripura                                                                    | 1                                                                          |
| 30.                                                                        | Uttar Pradesh                                                              | 58                                                                         |
| 31.                                                                        | Uttarakhand                                                                | 15                                                                         |
| 32.                                                                        | West Bengal                                                                | 14                                                                         |
| Total                                                                      | Total                                                                      | 481                                                                        |

Annexure - B Details mentioned in answer to part (c) of Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No. 569 dated 06.02.2024

|   Sr. No. | District       | Name of Community Radio Station Permission Holder           | Location of Communityi Radio Station                                                                                               |
|-----------|----------------|-------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
|         1 | Agra           | Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Agra.                      | Community Radio 90.4 "Agra Ki Awaz", 1st Floor, Building opposite to Dau Dayal Vocational Institute, Khandari Campus, Agra-282002. |
|         2 | Agra           | Sant Ramkrishna Kanya Mahavidyalaya                         | Shivpuri, Balkeshwar Road, Agra                                                                                                    |
|         3 | Aligarh        | Welfare Association for Downtrodden (WADA)                  | Yusuf Ganj, Baradwari, Dhanipur                                                                                                    |
|         4 | Aligarh        | Mangalyatan university                                      | 33Rd KmStone, Beswan, Aligarh                                                                                                      |
|         5 | Ambedkar Nagar | Janta Kalyan Sansthan                                       | Vill &Post Sehara Jalalpur Tahsil/ Bhiti, Ara,                                                                                     |
|         6 | Amroha         | Kashmiri Devi Chandi Prasad Samrak Sewa Samiti              | Jns Kashmiri Girls Degree College, Mandi Dhanaura                                                                                  |
|         7 | Ayodhya        | Krishna Charitable Trust                                    | Naya ghat near Ram Katha Sangralaya                                                                                                |
|         8 | Azamgarh       | Mirza Ahsanullah Beg Educational and Social Welfare Society | College Campus, Mirza Ahsanullah Beg Girls P.G College, Anjaan Shaheed, Azamgarh, U.P,                                             |
|         9 | Azamgarh       | Bhartendu Human Care and Development Society                | 9/69 Raidopur Nai Basti, Azamgarh, Uttar Pradesh -276001                                                                           |
|        10 | Bahraich       | Help Foundation                                             | Sufi Pura, Bahraich, Uttar Pradesh                                                                                                 |
|        11 | Barabanki      | Jahangirabad Educational Trust Group of Institutions        | Jahairabad Fort                                                                                                                    |
|        12 | Barabanki      | Fairdeal Gramodyog Sewa Samiti                              | Badel , Mayur Vihar , Colony, Ward ovary , Alapur,                                                                                 |
|        13 | Basti          | Kisan Sewa Sansthan                                         | Apera City , Phase 1, Basti                                                                                                        |
|        14 | Basti          | Pradumman Singh Educational Social& Environment Trust       | Village &Post, Ranipur,                                                                                                            |
|        15 | Bijnor         | Veer Kunwar Institute of Technology                         | V. K. Puram, Nagina Road                                                                                                           |
|        16 | Bijnor         | Rama Institute of Higher Education                          | 1st Km Milestone Najibabad Road Post Kiratpur                                                                                      |

|   17 | Bijnor                    | Kunwar Satya Vira College of Engineering and Management   | Bijnor city                                                                                                                                 |
|------|---------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
|   18 | Budaun                    | Sarv Hitay Sansthan                                       | NEAR JAL NIGAM COLONY, MAHARAJ NAGAR, D.M. ROAD, BADAUN                                                                                     |
|   19 | Deoria                    | Jyoti Seva Sadan                                          | Saket Nagar (Near Sukanya Gas agency) Deoria, (Uttar Pradesh) Pin Code 274001                                                               |
|   20 | Deoria                    | Maa Sharda Foundation                                     | Purwa Chauraha, Gorakhpur-Deoria Road                                                                                                       |
|   21 | Etawah                    | Yuva Ekta Mission                                         | , Vikas Colony, Phase-3, Pakka Bagh, Etawa, Dist- Etawah, Uttar Pradesh                                                                     |
|   22 | Gautam Buddh Nagar- Noida | Institute of Management Studies                           | Stationhead Salaam Namaste Community Radio A Unit of IMS Noida A 8 B, Block C Institute of Management Studies, Noida Sector -62 U.P: 201303 |
|   23 | Gautam Buddh Nagar- Noida | Asian School of Media Studies                             | Marwah Studio Complex, Fc/14/15, Film City, Sector 16 A                                                                                     |
|   24 | Gautam Buddh Nagar- Noida | Amity University                                          | Sect/125 City: Noida                                                                                                                        |
|   25 | Gautam Buddh Nagar- Noida | Sharda University                                         | Radio Studio (Room no. 401), 4th Floor, Block III ,Sharda University, Greater Noida                                                         |
|   26 | Gautam Buddh Nagar- Noida | National Institute of Open Schooling                      | A 31,Institutional Area,NH 24, Sector/62, NOIDA                                                                                             |
|   27 | Ghaziabad                 | Hintt Institute of Management                             | 18/A, RDC, Raj Nagar, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh - 201002                                                                                     |
|   28 | Gonda                     | Bramhi Foundation                                         | Lal Bahadur Shastri P.H. Degree College, Civil Lines, Gonda, Uttar Prdaesh                                                                  |
|   29 | Gonda                     | GYANASTHALI SHIKSHA SAMITI                                | C/O Saraswati Devi Nari, Gyansthali Mahavidyalaya, Near Dukhharan- nath Temple,Station Road, Gonda, UP                                      |

|   30 | Gorakhpur    | Ashutosh Shiksha Evam Sewa Sansthan              | KIPM technical campus Bl/1&2,Sector 9,Gida Gorakhpur                                                                                                      |
|------|--------------|--------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
|   31 | Gorakhpur    | Basudhanidhi                                     | CRS                                                                                                                                                       |
|   32 | Gorakhpur    | Safe Society                                     | H No- 194 -T, Manas Vihar Colony, Sangam Chauk, Padari Bazar, Gorakhpur                                                                                   |
|   33 | Hardoi       | Shiv Shankar Development Society (SSDS)          | Kothi Gaur Sahab, 161, Station Road, Railway Ganj, Dist;- Hardoi, Uttar Pradesh-241001.                                                                   |
|   34 | Kannauj      | Dainyam Aaradhyam Society                        | Nabiganj Jasmairoad Chandi Musta                                                                                                                          |
|   35 | Kanpur Dehat | Shramik Bharti                                   | Waqt Ki Awaaz, Community Radio Station, Village - Bairy Dariyao, Post - Bairi Sawai, Block - Maitha, District - Kanpur Dehat, PIN - 209204 Uttar Pradesh. |
|   36 | Kanpur Nagar | Indian Institute of Technology, IIT Kanpur       | FM90.4, IITKCR, ,Media Technology Center IIT Kanpur Pin- 208016                                                                                           |
|   37 | Kanpur Nagar | Rama University Kanpur                           | Rama University, Rama City, Mandhana, Near Mandhana Railway Station, Kanpur, U.P. 208024                                                                  |
|   38 | Kanpur Nagar | India Development Alternatives Foundation (IDAF) | 110 D/A4, Adarsh Nagar, Barra/2                                                                                                                           |
|   39 | Lalitpur     | Sai Jyoti Gramodhyog Samaj Seva Samiti           | community radio Lalit Lok Vani Alapur LALITPUR, UTTAR PRADESH 284403 India.                                                                               |
|   40 | Lucknow      | City Montessori School                           | CITY MONTESSORI SCHOOL, LDA BRANCH, SECTOR/D, KANPUR ROAD, LUCKNOW                                                                                        |
|   41 | Lucknow      | CMSDegree College                                | City Montessori School, Inter College 2, VISHAL KHAND GOMTI NAGAR LUCKNOW/226010                                                                          |
|   42 | LUCKNOW      | Babu Banarsi Das University                      | BBD COMMUNITY RADIO STATION, BBD UNIVERSITY, DR. AKHILESH DAS NAGAR, BBD CITY, FAIZABAD ROAD, LUCKNOW/ 226028, UTTAR PRADESH , INDIA                      |

|   43 | Lucknow          | King Georges Medical Unversity                                                                           | RadioKGMU Goonj 89.6 MHz, 2nd Floor, Atal Bihari Vajpayee Scientific Convention Centre, Opposite Gautam Buddha Park, KGMU, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh 226003   |
|------|------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
|   44 | MATHURA          | Vidya Sagar Academy                                                                                      |                                                                                                                                                            |
|   45 | Mathura          | Sanskriti Institute of Management and Technology                                                         | 28 Km Stone, NH/2, Chhata, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh/281401                                                                                                   |
|   46 | Meerut           | IIMT Engineering College                                                                                 | IIMT Engineering college 'O' Pocket, Ganga Nagar, Mawana Road, Meerut                                                                                      |
|   47 | Meerut           | Shanti Niketan Vidyapeeth                                                                                | C/O Shanti NIketan Vidyapeeth, Salarpur Jalalpur 6th Mile Stone Mawana Road                                                                                |
|   48 | Meerut           | MIT Group of Institutions                                                                                | NH/58, Bye/Pass Road, Baral Partapur                                                                                                                       |
|   49 | Meerut           | Swami Vivekanand Subharti University                                                                     | Subhartipuram SVSU Campus, NH-58, DelhjHaridwar,Bypass road                                                                                                |
|   50 | MEERUT           | Chaudhary Charan Singh University                                                                        | Chaudhary Charansingh University, near tejgarhi chowk, Meerut, Uttar PRAdesh-250004                                                                        |
|   51 | Moradabad        | Bharti Gramotthan Samajik Vikas Sansthan                                                                 | Prakash Nagar near Ramleela Ground Linepar                                                                                                                 |
|   52 | Muzaffarnagar    | SD College of Pharmacy& Vocational Studies                                                               | Mandi Samiti Road                                                                                                                                          |
|   53 | Padrauna         | Carvan Sanskritik Evam Vikas Manch                                                                       | Near Eastern Railway Fatak Bhootnath Colony, Padrauna Kushinagar                                                                                           |
|   54 | Prayagraj        | Allahabad Agricultural Institute Deemed University /Sam Higginbottom Institute of Agriculture Technology | 3rd floor, School of Film and Mass Communication,SHUATS, Nainital, Prayagraj                                                                               |
|   55 | RaeBareli        | Prakash Deep Sewa Sansthan                                                                               | B 86, Indira Nagar Awas Vikas Colony,                                                                                                                      |
|   56 | Sant Kabir Nagar | Jeevan Jyoti Sansthan                                                                                    | janta marg, Bardahiya , near railway crossing, khalilabad                                                                                                  |
|   57 | Unnao            | Prerna Gramodyog Seva Sansthan                                                                           | Village / Rajna khera Post / Auras                                                                                                                         |
|   58 | Varanasi         | Bahuddeshiya Gramodyog Vikas Samiti                                                                      | SA/4/79 A, Keshav Vihar Colony, Pandeypur                                                                                                                  |