Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday inaugurated 91 FM transmitters across 20 states and Union territories to boost radio connectivity and said his government is working to provide affordable access to technology and information to people in every corner of the country.
The inauguration of the transmitters came two days before the 100th episode of the Prime Minister’s monthly radio programme Mann ki Baat.
“Today marks a significant step in the expansion of FM services by All India Radio in the direction of becoming All India FM,” Modi said as he virtually inaugurated the 91 FM transmitters in border areas and aspirational districts.
“The beginning of 91 FM transmitters by All India Radio is like a present for 85 districts and two crore people of the nation. The districts covered under the new 91 FM transmitters are aspirational districts and blocks, and I congratulate All India Radio for the momentous achievement,” he added.
The 91 new 100W FM transmitters were installed in 85 districts with a special focus on enhancing coverage in Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, West Bengal, Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Telangana, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Ladakh and Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
The Prime Minister said the “FM transmitters will play a key role in a range of services, be it timely dissemination of information, weather forecast for agriculture or connecting the women self-help groups with new markets”.
“The tech revolution has led to the shaping of radio and FM in a new way. Radio has not gone obsolete. Through online FMs and podcasts, it has come in a new avatar. Digital India has given it new listeners,” he said.
Modi said the inauguration of the transmitters forwards the policies of the government that gives preference to the underprivileged who have been deprived of this facility so far.
“Those who were considered to be distant will now get a chance to connect at a greater level,” he said.
Modi also said that he would soon host the 100th episode of Mann ki Baat and his deep connection with people across the nation would not have been possible through any medium other than the radio. The 100th episode will air on Sunday.
He stressed on linguistic diversity and informed that FM transmission will take place in all languages and especially in regions with 27 dialects.
“This connectivity does not just link the tools of communication but the people too. This is reflective of the work culture of this government,” he said.
Modi noted the presence of numerous Padma Awardees in the programme and welcomed them. He said that now, instead of being based on recommendations, the honours are being conferred for service to the nation and society.
Union information and broadcasting minister Anurag Thakur joined the function from Ladakh. “This is a historic move. This will be very helpful in transmitting entertainment, sports, and farming information to the local people. Mann ki Baat increased the popularity of radio,” he said at the event.
“Today another record has been established. Nyoma (in Ladakh) has the world’s highest transmitter at an altitude of 4,100. Its benefit is going to be available for many km. Our people will also get the facility of FM, listen to programs, get news and an opportunity to take forward their culture,” he added.
The event was also attended by chief ministers, public representatives and officials from across 18 states and two Union territories.
