Ashwini Vaishnaw Inaugurates India’s 500th Community Radio Station in Aizawl

In a significant milestone for India’s community radio landscape, Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting Ashwini Vaishnaw inaugurated the country’s 500th community radio station, Apna Radio 90.0 FM, at the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC) in Aizawl, Mizoram. This event underscores the government’s commitment to the Act East policy and marks a key development in enhancing local communication and information dissemination.

Event Highlights

Inauguration and Attendees

The inauguration was attended by Union Minister of State for I&B, L. Murugan, and Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma. The event also included the announcement of the winners of the 10th National Community Radio Awards.

Significance of Apna Radio 90.0 FM

Minister Vaishnaw emphasized that Apna Radio will bring a substantive change to the lives of those in its coverage area. This new station is expected to significantly benefit Mizoram’s primarily agrarian community by providing crucial updates on weather, government schemes, and agricultural information.

Government Support and Budget Allocations

Vaishnaw highlighted that the 2024 Budget includes a record allocation for the Northeast’s railway infrastructure, aiming to improve connectivity in Mizoram.

Community Radio’s Role

MoS Murugan elaborated on the non-commercial, socially beneficial nature of community radio stations, especially their role during natural disasters. These stations are intended to serve last-mile communication needs and provide vital information to underserved populations.

Impact and Future Prospects

The Chief Minister of Mizoram noted that the new station would be instrumental in advancing communication and supporting the state’s agricultural sector. The Vice Chancellor of IIMC, Dr. Anupama Bhatnagar, highlighted the station’s role in fostering community dialogue, showcasing local culture, and empowering citizens.

10th National Community Radio Awards

Thematic Award

- First Prize: Radio Mayur, Bihar for “Tech Sakhi”
- Second Prize: Radio Kochi, Kerala for “Nirangal”
- Third Prize: Hello Doon, Uttarakhand for “Meri Baat”

Most Innovative Community Engagement Award

- First Prize: Yerlawani Sangli, Maharashtra for “Kahani sunandachi”
- Second Prize: Vaylaga Vanoli, Tamil Nadu for “Let’s Build a new Norm”
- Third Prize: Salaam Namaste Noida, Uttar Pradesh for “Maid Didi”

Promoting Local Culture Award

- First Prize: Radio Brahmaputra, Assam for “Igarekun”
- Second Prize: Radio Kotagiri, Tamil Nadu for “En Makkaludan Oru Payanam”
- Third Prize: Radio Active, Bihar for “Ang Pradesh ki Adbut Dharohar”

Sustainability Model Award

- First Prize: Radio Benziger, Kerala
- Second Prize: Radio Namskar, Odisha
- Third Prize: Radio Antarwani, Karnataka

Awards Details

The Ministry of I&B instituted the National Community Radio Awards in 2011-12 to encourage innovation and healthy competition among community radio stations. Each category offers prizes of Rs. 1 lakh for first place, Rs. 75,000 for second place, and Rs. 50,000 for third place.

Piyush Shukla