DIPHU, Apr 28: To give a boost to radio connectivity in the country, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today virtually inaugurated 91 FM transmitters of 100 Watt been installed in 84 districts across 20 states. Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council CEM Dr. Tuliram Ronghang, MP Horen Sing Bey, MLA Bidya Sing Engleng, EM Mongol Sing Timung, Amarsing Tisso, MAC Johnny Timung, Headsing Rongphar, Padmashree Dhaneshwar Engti, KCS president Chandra Sing Kro, ADG AIR North East Zone Ashish Bhatnagar and AIR Diphu Programme Executive Officer Joanish Rongphar attended the virtual inauguration programme at Diphu AIR centre.
In his speech, PM Modi stated that left wing extremism hit areas, aspirational districts and border areas of the country have been given priority for the installation of the transmitters as clear sound quality and easy availability of FM receiver equipped mobile phones has increased the demand of FM radio service in the country. With this, the network of transmitters with All India Radio (AIR) has increased from 524 to 615. He also informed that the Government has further approved installation of 63 more FM transmitters in the country.
Speaking on its benefits, Prime Minister said that among others timely information on community building efforts, weather updates related to agricultural practices, information on food and vegetable prices for the farmers, discussions about the loss incurred by the use of chemicals in agriculture, pooling of advanced machinery for agriculture, informing women SHGs about new market practices and helping entire community in times of a natural calamity would become faster. “Be it timely dissemination of information, weather forecasts for agriculture, or connecting the women’s self-help groups with new markets these FM transmitters will play a key role. Infotainment of FM has a lot of value,” said PM Modi.
Further, Prime Minister said that the expansion of the FM service of All India Radio is an important step towards becoming All India FM. “This launch of 91 FM transmission of All India Radio is like a gift to 2 crore people of 85 districts of the country,” he added.