MUMBAI: Hissar based Radio Tarang, a venture of Singla Properties, faces the threat of getting its commercial FM radio license revoked as it has failed to pay the requisite annual fee and has been non-operational since September 2008.

The Ministry of Information and Broadcast on 22 May issued a warning notice to Singla Properties providing a last opportunity to rectify defaults and submit reasons as to why license granted to establish, maintain and operate and FM station must not be revoked.

The notice mentions that despite being given extension of time for submitting fresh bank guarantee, the company failed to furnish one. Radio Tarang also failed to pay the annual license fee to the ministry, the notice mentions.

Ministry sources say, As Radio Tarang hasn't conformed to the terms and conditions for commercial broadcast stations, we are in the process of revoking their license. They have defaulted in payments to BECIL, Prasar Bharti and I&B, so were gathering information on the dues and would initiate action soon....

BECIL had reported that the station had been non-operational since September last year and have thereby violated the GOPA regulation. The clause in GOPA states, The grantor may also revoke the permission if transmission from the channel is discontinued for more than six months for whatever reason...

Ministry sources further add, The company had in the past also failed to pay annual license fee within the stipulated time and showcase notices were issued last year....

The I&B had issued a show cause notice in February last year and April this year but hadn't received any reply from Singla Properties.

The company didn't have a strong revenue business plan and could not cope with the existing competition in the market, industry sources said.

Despite repeated efforts, Radio Tarang officials could not be contacted for comment.