Apna Radio Station of IIMC, a significant milestone in India’s Act East Policy: Ashwini Vaishnaw

Shri Vaishnaw highlighted that the launch of Apna Radio will bring substantial changes to the lives of people in its coverage area, aligning with the Government's Act East policy.

Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting (I&B) Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw today marked a significant milestone in India's community radio journey by inaugurating the country’s 500th Community Radio Station, ‘Apna Radio 90.0 FM,’ at the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Aizawl. The event was attended by Union Minister of State for I&B Dr. L. Murugan and Chief Minister of Mizoram Shri Lalduhoma.

Shri Vaishnaw highlighted that the launch of Apna Radio will bring substantial changes to the lives of people in its coverage area, aligning with the Government's Act East policy. He also informed the Chief Minister that the Union Budget has allocated a record amount to enhance railway connectivity in the North East region, supporting Mizoram’s aspirations for improved infrastructure.

Chief Minister Shri Lalduhoma expressed enthusiasm about the new radio station, noting its potential to benefit Mizoram's agrarian community by providing essential updates on weather, government schemes, and agricultural information. He praised the Ministry of I&B and other stakeholders for their support in making the project a reality.

Union Minister of State Dr. L. Murugan emphasized the unique role of community radio stations in delivering last-mile information and their crucial function during natural disasters, contrasting them with commercial private radio channels.

Secretary of the Ministry of I&B Shri Sanjay Jaju discussed the pivotal role of community radio stations in disseminating information on agriculture, government schemes, and local issues. He highlighted their importance for marginalized communities lacking access to mainstream media and affirmed the Ministry's commitment to expanding community radio stations across the country.

Vice Chancellor of IIMC Dr. Anupama Bhatnagar described the inauguration of 'Apna Radio 90.0 FM' as a transformative development for Mizoram, promoting community dialogue, local culture, and citizen empowerment.

The ceremony also featured the announcement of the winners of the 10th National Community Radio Awards. The awards celebrate innovation and excellence among Community Radio Stations across four categories:

Thematic Award:

• First Prize: Radio Mayur, District Saran, Bihar for "Tech Sakhi"
• Second Prize: Radio Kochi, Kerala for "Nirangal"
• Third Prize: Hello Doon, Dehradun, Uttarakhand for "Meri Baat"

Most Innovative Community Engagement Award:

• First Prize: Yerlawani Sangli, Maharashtra for "Kahani Sunandachi"
• Second Prize: Vaylaga Vanoli, Madurai, 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, Dibrugarh, Assam for "Igarekun"
• Second Prize: Radio Kotagiri, Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu for "En Makkaludan Oru Payanam"
• Third Prize: Radio Active, Bhagalpur, Bihar for "Ang Pradesh ki Adbut Dharohar"

Sustainability Model Award:

• First Prize: Radio Benziger, Kollam, Kerala
• Second Prize: Radio Namskar, Konark, Odisha
• Third Prize: Radio Antarwani, Gulbarga, Karnataka

Instituted in 2011-12, the National Community Radio Awards aim to foster innovation and healthy competition among Community Radio Stations (CRS). Each category’s winners received prize money of Rs. 1 lakh, Rs. 75,000, and Rs. 50,000 respectively.