Minister of State for Information & Broadcasting Col. Rajyavardhan Rathore has said that the Government stood committed in its objective to provide the last mile connectivity through various communication platforms. In this regard, Community Radio has been provided a big push through various initiatives. Recently, Ministry of I&B has increased the subsidy for setting up CRS from 50% to 90% in the North Eastern States and 75% in other states subject to a maximum limit of Rs 7.5 lakhs. In order to make it more participatory, varied set of participants including Universities & NGOs have been permitted to set up CR stations in the country. The Minister stated this during a meeting with UNESCO delegation led by Mr. Frank La Rue, Assistant Director General for Communication & Information today in New Delhi.

 

Elaborating further, Col. Rathore said that the Community Radio will address the information needs at the grassroot level, providing updates on different local and relevant issues in their own language and dialect.

 

 

Regarding the issues related to freedom of Press, Col. Rathore said that the Government believes in the philosophy of Self Regulation.

The delegation apprised the Minister about the varied activities of UNESCO in the field of Media and Communication. Possible areas of collaboration with the Government were also highlighted by the delegation.

 

CP/GV

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