Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, in collaboration with the Commonwealth Educational Media Centre for Asia COL-CEMCA and Rajiv Gandhi University, organised a “Community Radio Awareness Workshop” from 30-31 October 2025 at Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh. Over 40 participants from five Northeastern states- Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya and Mizoram and representing various educational institutions, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), community-based organisations (CBOs), and government departments attended the workshop.

The workshop focused on raising awareness about Community Radio's role in community engagement and development, demystifying policies and processes, and encouraging eligible NGOs and institutions to apply for licenses.

Ms. Shilpa Rao Tanugula, Director, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India, highlighted the Government’s policies related to Community Radio Stations (CRS). In her special address, she mentioned that at present, India has 549 operational Community Radio Stations across the country, out of which 21 stations are operating in the Northeastern Region. She also informed that the Government of India has taken special initiatives to increase the number of stations in the region, and a provision for special financial assistance has been made to support the establishment of new CRS units.

Prof. Jayadeba Sahoo, Former Vice-Chancellor In-Charge, Senior Professor, Department of Education, Rajiv Gandhi University, Itanagar, spoke about the importance of Community Radio Stations in promoting grassroots communication. He appreciated the efforts of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting for organising this workshop in the region, which provides a platform to encourage and support new community radio initiatives.

Mr. Amit Dwivedi, Project Director–CRS, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, spoke about the objectives of the workshop, the procedure for establishing a Community Radio Station, and the ‘Supporting Community Radio Movement in India’ Scheme. He highlighted that the entire licensing process has been made online, making it easier and more transparent. He further added that several initiatives have been undertaken by the Ministry to promote the growth of CRS in the country, one of which includes creating awareness about the importance and impact of community radio.

Ms. Monica Sharma from the Commonwealth Educational Media Centre for Asia, New Delhi, India, also shared her insights on managing and running Community Radio Stations. Participants visited a local Community Radio Station, andgroup activities were held around the topics of Sustainability and Management of the Community Radio Station and managing and running the Community Radio Stations.

Officials from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, experts from established Community Radio Stations, and media professionals also participated in the event. The participants shared their experiences and discussed the potential of community radio as a powerful medium for local communication, education, and community development.

The workshop concluded with a Valedictory speech from Dr B. Shadrach, Director, Commonwealth Educational Media Centre for Asia (CEMCA), New Delhi, and Dr. N.T. Rikam, Registrar, Rajiv Gandhi University, Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh, with the call for more Community Radio stations to reach the grassroots, and to create lasting impact.

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