In a major step toward strengthening grassroots media, the Indian government has sanctioned over ₹5 crore since the financial year 2021 to support community radio initiatives across the country.
Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting, L. Murugan, confirmed this while addressing concerns in Parliament. He stated that as of March 27, 2025, a total of 532 community radio stations have been approved and are either operational or in various stages of setup.
Community radio has long been seen as a bridge between mainstream media and rural voices — bringing local stories, public health campaigns, agricultural advice, and cultural programs directly to underserved regions in local languages.
This financial backing is expected to empower more institutions, NGOs, and educational organizations to apply for licenses and launch stations that reflect the heartbeat of their communities.
Industry experts say the move is not just about media outreach — it’s about empowering citizens to speak, share, and shape local narratives.
As India continues to promote digital inclusion and media decentralization, community radio stands tall as the voice of the people, by the people.-AirMedia Broadcast
