Information
and Broadcasting Secretary, Bimal Julka said that
community
radio is one of the strongest media for the most vulnerable people of society,
especially, the rural population.
He was addressing the 4th National Community Radio Sammelan in Delhi today. Mr Julka
said, the responsibility of community radio is much more due to digital divide.
He also mentioned that this medium has
greater scope in dissemination of traditional knowledge, local needs of
information and positive role in social inclusion and disaster management.
Prasar
Bharti CEO, Jawhar Sircar described community radio as a preserver of
traditional heritage and folklore. He said, considering the importance of the
medium, the government is now playing a role of facilitator instead of only
license issuing agency. Our Correspondent reports that 400 licenses for
community radio stations have been given by I&B Ministry, out of which 160
stations are functional and contributing through their creativity.