Kumar Bahukhandi
Raipur: The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved the proposal to conduct the third batch of ascending bid e-auction with an estimated reserve price of Rs 784.87 crore for 730 channels in 234 new cities under the Private FM Radio Phase-3 Policy. These also include Ambikapur, Jagdalpur and Korba cities of Chhattisgarh. The Union Cabinet also approved the proposal to take 4 percent of gross revenue as annual license fee (ALF) of FM channels excluding Goods and Services Tax (GST). This will be applicable for 234 new cities / towns.
Launch of private FM radio in 234 new cities/towns will fulfill the unfulfilled demand for FM radio in cities/towns which are still untouched by private FM radio broadcasting and introduce new/local content in mother tongue. This will create new employment opportunities, promote local dialect and culture and give a boost to the ‘Vocal For Local’ initiative. Many of these approved cities/towns are in aspirational districts and Left Wing Extremism affected areas. Setting up of private FM radio in these areas will further strengthen the Government’s reach in these areas.
