Revised Policy Guidelines for Setting up Community Radio Stations (CRS) in India

15-02-2024

04:55 AM

1 min read

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With a view to ensure the growth of the community radio sector, the Information and Broadcasting Minister released revised policy guidelines for setting up CRSs in India on the occasion of World Radio Day (February 13th).
The guidelines were released during the Regional Community Radio Sammelan (South) at Anna University, Chennai, to celebrate 20 years of Community Radio in India.

Community Radio is an important third tier in Radio Broadcasting, distinct from Public Service Radio broadcasting and Commercial Radio.
CRSs are low power Radio Stations, which are meant to be set-up and operated by local communities.
In 2002, the Government of India approved a policy for the grant of licence, for setting up of CRSs, to well established educational institutions.
The Policy Guidelines were amended in 2006 permitting community-based organisations such as ICAR institutions, Krishi Vigyan Kendras, Registered Societies; Public charitable Trusts; etc., to own and operate CRSs.
- This was to allow greater participation on issues relating to development and social change.

They provide a platform to communities to air local voices on issues concerning Health, Nutrition, Education, Agriculture,
Since the Community Radio broadcast is in local languages and dialects, people are able to relate to it instantly.
Community Radio also has the potential to strengthen people’s participation in development programmes through its holistic approach.
In a country like India, where every state has its own language and distinctive cultural identity, CRSs are also a repository of local folk music and cultural heritage.
The unique position of CRS is an instrument of positive social change, which makes it an ideal tool for community empowerment.

The first Community Radio in India was started on 1st February 2004 at Anna University, Chennai.
Later, licences were granted for setting up CRSs at well-established educational institutions including IITs/IIMs.
The Government decided to broaden the policy by bringing ‘Non-profit’ organisations like civil society and voluntary organisations under its ambit.
The Government has been taking several proactive steps enabling ease of registration by making the process for submission of applications completely online.
The sector has grown substantially and the number of CRSs has increased from 140 in 2014 to 481 in 2023 (out of which 155 were added in the last two years).
In the next three years the target is to create more than 1000 CRSs in India.

The guidelines include an increase in advertising rate to ₹74 per 10 seconds and advertising time to 12 minutes per hour.
The licensee will set up an advisory and content committee comprising members of the local community, with 50% representation for women.
The guidelines provide that an eligible organisation operating in multiple districts would be allowed to set up a maximum of six CRS’ in different districts of operation, provided it fulfils certain conditions laid by the Ministry.
The initial time period for the ‘Grant of Permission Agreement’ has been increased to 10 years.
The validity of the Letter of Intent issued to an organisation has been fixed at one year.
- A buffer of three months is given to the applicant for unforeseen circumstances, and the timeline for the complete application process has also been fixed.
The revised policy guidelines are expected to fuel growth of the community radio sector.

Source: I&B Minister releases revised policy guidelines for community radio stations | NewsOnAir