Community radio service comes to Hengbung
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, October 22 2019: With the opening of the first community radio station for the hill districts today at Hengbung of Senapati district, Information and Public Relations (IPR) Minister Thongam Biswajit has stressed on the need to Information, Education and Communication to the masses through the medium of community radio.

The Minister has also asked the Government officials concerned and different communities residing within the jurisdiction of the community radio station to share their views, interests and ideas on Governmental schemes and development schemes being implemented in the State through the newly opened community radio so that the masses will have adequate knowledge about the schemes and reap their benefits as well.

Community radio service comes to Hengbung

Speaking as the chief guest at the inaugural function of the Foundation for Environment & Economic Development Services (FEEDS), Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK)'s community radio station FM - 91.2 MHz at its premise at Hengbung, Biswajit underscored the growing importance of community radio in the society.

Further stating that it is not possible for All India Radio (AIR), Imphal to adequately broadcast the programmes emphasizing on Governmental schemes and programmes due to its busy schedules as it covers a wide range of programmes and subject matters, Biswajit maintained that there are also inconveniences faced by the departments and Government in airing advertisements for Governmental schemes via AIR.

"However, in the case of community radio, abundant programmes and information can be disseminated on programmes taken up by the Government, particularly for the weaker sections of the society and women empowerment as community radio is not for commercial purposes", he added.

Biswajit then asked the DCs and other top ranking Government officers in the State to keep in touch and work towards bringing development in their respective districts.

Stressing on the importance of introspecting on whether the Governmental schemes have actually reached the deserving beneficiaries, especially in rural areas, he stressed on the importance of DCs and all concerned to inform, educate and communicate about the Governmental schemes to the common people.

He also said that spreading information on the benefits of Governmental schemes and programmes in the hill areas is very important for its effective implementation as 90 percent of the State is comprised of hilly areas.

While asking the communities residing in Kangpokpi and Senapati to express their views, ideas and interests on developmental programmes and policies as well as the problems faced by them through the newly launched community radio, the Minister noted that reaping the benefits of Governmental schemes and developmental programmes is their right.

Saying that misrepresentation and wrong interpretation of politics have led common people to view politicians as wrong doers, the Minister claimed that he will try his best to rectify this perception by winning back people's trust.

While stressing on the importance of maintaining peace in the society to make the State developed, the Minister also asked the community leaders not to get involved/indulge in wrongful activities and instead appealed them to rectify their community members whenever they commit mistakes in the society.

The function was also attended by Kangpokpi DC Lalithambigai K, Sadar Hills ADC Chairman Haokholal Hangshing and Senapati DC Somorjit Salam as the president and guests of honour respectively.

Altogether 50 radio sets, contributed by the daily newspaper - The Morning Bell, were distributed to community leaders of various villages in the jurisdiction of Mao and Motbung.

The community radio station which opened today will be broadcasted within a radius of 12 kilometres from its campus at Hengbung at 91.2 MHz .