New Delhi, July 26: Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting, Railways, Electronics and Information Technology Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw today inaugurated India’s 500th Community Radio Station in presence of Union Minister of State for I&B Dr. L. Murugan and Chief Minister of Mizoram Shri Lalduhoma. The station ‘Apna Radio 90.0 FM’ is a station run by Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Aizawl. The Secretary, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Shri Sanjay Jaju, Additional Secretary Mrs. Neerja Sekhar and Vice Chancellor of Indian Institute of Mass Communication Dr. Anupama Bhatnagar were also present in this program.

Announcing this milestone in India’s community radio journey, Shri Vaishnaw said that this initiative will bring a substantive change in the lives of people in the coverage area of Apna Radio station. He further stated that this launch is also a significant milestone in the Government’s policy of Act East.

According to the Minister, the Union Budget has made a record allocation under the railway budget for North East region. This will bolster the long-cherished dream for Mizoram to get good railway connectivity. During the inaugural ceremony, the Union Minister announced the winners of 10th National Community Radio Awards. While in the year 2014, the number of community radio stations in the entire country was 140, in the last ten years this number has now increased to 500.

Chief Minister Shri Lalduhoma while addressing the gathering said that Apna Radio Station at IIMC Aizawl will writea new chapter in communication for the State. Mizoram is primarily an agrarian state due to its significant agriculture potential. Establishing a community radio station for the farmer community would be highly beneficial, providing them with daily weather updates, government schemes and agriculture related information. He commended the Ministry of I&B and all other stakeholders for their unwavering support and dedication in turning this project into a reality.

Union Minister of State Dr L. Murugan delved into the socially beneficial nature of such stations and stated that as against the commercial nature of private radio channels, community radio stations are set up out of a commitment to last mile information communication. He further added that the role of these stations rises significantly during times of natural disaster.

Secretary, Ministry of I&B Shri Sanjay Jaju, also present at the occasion, said that community radio stations play a pivotal role in disseminating information related agriculture, government schemes for farmer welfare, weather information etc. The offer a unique platform where alternative voices can be heard and content is delivered in local dialects and regional languages. These community radios are particularly important for the poor and marginalized section of society who lack access to mainstream media.

At the end of the event, Vice Chancellor of IIMC Dr. Anupama Bhatnagar said that inauguration of ‘Apna Radio 90.0 FM’ is a new chapter in the history of Mizoram, which will bring communities together through dialogue, showcasing local culture, promoting and empowering citizens.

The year 2005 holds special signifi­cance for IIMC as ‘Apna Radio’ the Community Radio station of IIMC, New Delhi was launched this year. Over the two decades, Apna Radio has remained committed to its mission of serving the local community, promoting cultural diversity and providing informative and entertaining programming. The station has continued to thrive, engage listeners and contribute positively to the community it serves.