In an attempt to boost the Community Radio movement in India, the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (MoIB) issued seven new Letter of Intents (LOIs) to the organisations for setting up Community Radio Stations on March 24, 2015.

This is the first time that the ministry has granted seven LOIs this year, which has crossed 507 till date. Currently the number of operating Community Radio Station in the country is 180.

Though there was a delay in the release of LOI, Director of Mangalam College of Engineering from Kerala was not disappointed. Biju Varghese said, “We are very delighted that our patience was rewarded. Through our radio station, we will focus on promoting technical education – especially among the rural folks and work in the sector of women empowerment india viagra online.”

Another LOI holder from Chhattisgarh, Principal of Government Boys’ Higher Secondary School Vimal Kumar said, “Our vicinity is surrounded by tribal communities and we have observed that there is a dire need to promote their local customs, culture and tradition. Getting LOI is a boost to our motivation and through this medium we will try to preserve these ethnicities by broadcasting programmes in local language – Surgujiha”.

In the latest addition of LOIs, Krishi Vigyan Kendras received two LOIs in Tamil Nadu, educational institutes received three LOIs – one each for Kerala, Chhattisgarh and Punjab states respectively and, two LOIs were issued to non-profit organisations each for the states of Rajasthan and Haryana.

MoIB issued new LoIs to following organisations:
•    Jagriti Jan Seva Sansthan, Rajasthan
•    Krishi Vigyan Kendra, District Pudukottai, Tamil Nadu
•    Krishi Vigyan Kendra, District Villupram, Tamil Nadu
•    Mangalam College of Engineering, Kerala
•    Manav Sewa Charitable Society, Haryana
•    Governement Boys Higher Secondary School, Chhattisgarh
•    Shri Guru Teg Bahadur Khalsa College, Punjab

Author: Nilofar, CRFC/ OneWorld