Govt to provide 90% subsidy for starting community radio stations in northeast states

Aiming to give a boost to the community radio sector, the government on Saturday announced that 90% subsidy will be provided for starting such stations in the northeastern states and 75% in other states.

Union minister M Venkaiah Naidu made this announcement at a conference of state ministers, organised by the Information and Broadcasting Ministry after a gap of around seven years.

As per the present rules, I&B ministry gives a subsidy of 50% up to a limit of Rs 7.5 lakh, for starting community radio stations. In his concluding remarks, Naidu also announced that a new dedicated Doordarshan channel for the northeastern states will come up in the first half of January. This channel will show the richness, variety and diversity of the local culture and seamlessly integrate these states with the rest of the country, he said.

Minister of State for I&B Rajyavardhan Rathore said collaboration between states and Centre is the "bedrock for good governance" and there is a need to "move forward together as Team India" in scripting the development of the nation.

Later, speaking to mediapersons at the sidelines of the event, to a question about reports that the Uttar Pradesh government wants to start a news channel, Naidu said, "There has been no direct communication. Why are they communicating through you (media)?"  "I have not received any such information. If it comes, I have an open mind, but we will see it in light of the policies that are there," he said.

The present Act only allows Doordarshan and All India Radio. States do not have their own channels, he said.