Click to play videoNew Delhi: When the devastating earthquake struck Gujarat in 2001 and communications links collapsed, it was the humble HAM radio that came to the rescue.
It gave out localised information, thus aiding rescue teams reach the hundreds that lay trapped beneath the rubble.
It was the second-generation radio revolution waiting to happen. And now five years later, the Cabinet has given the green signal to ‘liberalise’ community radio.
“After the Group of Ministers’ (GOM) recommendations, the cabinet today has decided to grant permission for setting up community radio stations at non-profit organisations, civil socities and educational institutions,” says Information and Broadcast Minister, Priyaranjan Das Munshi.
However, the fear being expressed that the community radio, could become a tool for insurgents to spread their agenda.
.
“Rubbish! They don’t need a community radio to do that,” member, Centre for Policy Research, B G Verghese says.
In effect, the community radio will ensure that the information revolution will not bypass the Indian countryside.
And this may turn out to be just the right weapon to empower the rural population.
(For updates you can share with your friends, follow IBNLive on Facebook, Twitter and Google+)
displayed with permission. Use of the CNN name and/or logo on or as part of CNN-IBN does not derogate from the intellectual property rights of Cable News Network in respect of them.