| To
take advantage of this, existing operators will have to sign a revised Grant of
Permission Agreement (GOPA) with the Information and Broadcasting ministry for
which they may apply separately in prescribed format with necessary documents.
Only applications complete in all respects will be accepted. This
follows the decision of the Ministry to extend the facilities of the new guidelines
of 2006 even to the existing Community Radio Operators. Under
the new guidelines, limited advertising and announcements relating to local events,
local businesses and services and employment opportunities shall be allowed. The
maximum duration of such limited advertising will be restricted to five minutes
per hour of broadcast. The detailed Guidelines and proforma for application are
available on the Ministry’s website. The
Government had in December 2006 liberalized the policy on community radio by bringing
in ‘non-profit’ organisations like civil society and voluntary organizations,
State Agriculture Universities (SAUs), ICAR institutions, Krishi Vigyan Kendras,
educational institutions also under its ambit. This
was done with a view to allow greater participation by the civil society on issues
of development and social changes.
At present 26 stations of educational
institutions are using community radio. The Government has so far received 95
applications under the new guidelines and permission has been granted to five
organizations. | 
