Lok Sabha Question No. 482 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-07-23
Subject: CRS in Tamil Nadu
Ministry: INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING
Asked by: Shri Malaiyarasan D

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 482 (TO BE ANSWERED ON 23.07.2025)

## CRS IN TAMIL NADU

## 482. SHRI MALAIYARASAN D:

Will the Minister of INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING be pleased to state? (a)  the details of steps taken by the Government to implement and promote Community Radio Stations (CRS) in Tamil Nadu along with the number of CRS which have been established in the State so far; (b)  the details of the reach and coverage of these Community Radio Stations in Tamil Nadu particularly in rural, remote and underserved areas and the manner in which they are benefiting local communities; (c) the details of financial and technical support which has been provided to encourage the  establishment  of  Community  Radio  Stations  in  Tamil  Nadu  particularly  for  nongovernmental organisations and educational institutions; (d)  the details of content being broadcasted by these stations and the manner in which the Government is ensuring that the information provided through CRS is relevant and useful to the local population, including in regional languages; and (e)   the details of challenges which have been faced in the implementation of Community Radio Stations such as licensing issues, infrastructure barriers or financial sustainability

- along with measures being taken to address these challenges?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING AND PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (DR. L. MURUGAN)

(a) to (e): The government grants community radio licenses under a policy, which is available on the website: https://mib.gov.in/ministry/our-wings/broadcating-wing.

As per the policy, Community Radio Stations can be established by not-for-profit organizations with a proven record of three years of service to the local community. The policy mandates that the programmes aired by the Community Radio Stations should be relevant to the educational, developmental, social and cultural requirements of the community.

Government  supports  Community  Radio  Stations  through  financial  assistance  to  establish, repair, and maintain community radio stations. Support is also provided during emergencies like floods, cyclones, or lightning damage.

Government is implementing a scheme called 'Supporting Community Radio Movement in India' with an outlay of Rs. 50 Cr. It is designed to strengthen existing and new Community Radio Stations.

The main features of the scheme are as follows:

1. Financial assistance to newly established CRSs after they have been operational for three months.
2. Stations  operating  for  over  five  years  receive  support  for  renewing  or  replacing  old equipment.
3. Training and awareness through workshops, webinars, and sammelans.
4. Stakeholder  engagement  through  regional  and  national  events  to  enable  peer  learning among CR stakeholders.

The Government has sanctioned 540 Community Radio Stations throughout the country. Out of these, 48 are in Tamil Nadu, spread over 24 districts. These stations have been  undertaking significant work in the areas of disaster management, sea conservation, health and hygiene, among others.

During the last three financial years, a total sum of Rs. 40,03,098/- has been released to the Community Radio Stations located in Tamil Nadu.

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