The Community Radio Station (CRS) for Central University of Jharkhand (CUJ) approved by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (I&B) in January is gradually gaining momentum. The University fraternity in this initial phase is in touch with Broadcast Engineering Consultants India limited (BECIl) for outsourcing the work.
A senior CUJ faculty on Sunday said that the entire ‘project’ is being coordinated by Mass Communication and Media Technology School of this university. “It will be set up in our permanent campus at Cheri-Manatu. Our main purpose is to give our
students an exposure on functioning of this CRS,” the faculty maintained.
Significantly, CUJ is consulting BECIl in terms of managing specific infrastructure, getting license and acquiring knowledge on how to train people for this communication process.
According to sources, the approvals of Ministries of Home Affairs, Telecom and Defence have already been done regarding this CRS. A CUJ official on the condition of anonymity said, “Our shifting from temporary Brambe campus to Cheri-Manatu is not yet decided. But, we are likely to begin the on-ground implementation of this plan within six months in our permanent infrastructure.”
“Ensuring security around this CRS is a prime concern for us,” the official added. Media statements refer that CRS are sometimes captured by anti-socials for spreading misinformation.
The I&B Ministry website clearly mentions that Community Radio sector reaches those who do not have access to media infrastructure, or access and participation in the production of content. CRS experts said, “Community radio can access only within 10 kilometers from the area of set up.”
Apart from CUJ, a local NGO of Jharkhand was also chosen for this CRS establishment by Ministry of I&B. The Ministry’s Secretary IB Julka had then announced that previously the Union Ministry had not cleared radio stations for naxalite areas. Julka had expected CRS at left-Wing extremist regions to provide a platform for the deprived.
Among the existing universities in Jharkhand, a similar communication is being carried out by Birsa Agricultural University (BAU) through Radio Hariyali broadcasting giving useful tips and information to Farmers.
Nowadays, the concerned I&B Ministry is inviting applications from CRS and letters of Intent holders in order to avail financial assistance under the scheme of 12th Five Year Plan named ‘Supporting Community Radio Movement in India’. The deadline for this application submission is April 4.