MUMBAI: Information and Broadcasting Ministry (I&B) is on the verge of completing the processing the guidelines for extending financial assistance to Community radio station (CRS)’s infrastructural requirement. The new scheme will provide 50 per cent of the equipment cost provided the guidelines set by I&B are met by the Community radio.

Under the initiative, NGO and education institution can finalise their equipment to be procured without government involvement.

“If the NGO or educational institution has spent around Rs 10 lakh on the equipment, then ministry will provide the grant of Rs five lakh. They can prepare their budget and select the equipments they need. There will be no interference by the ministry,” said a senior official.

The official further added, "We are working on the final benchmark to make this scheme available to various community radio stations by end of the year."

Preference will be given to backward areas, North-eastern region and other specific region. But the grant will only be passed if the station is operational with all the needed licenses and approvals. As per the guidelines, the applicant should not be enjoying incentives or grants from the Central or State Government.

According to 11th Five Year Plan, Rs 100 crores have been earmarked for community radio stations. Out of which Rs 90 crores is for building operational community radio stations and remainder Rs 10 crores for the workshops the Ministry organises every year.