[cr-india] Interim extension for expired/expiring CR licenses

[Vinod Pavarala]

http://www.radioandmusic.com/content/editorial/news/community-radios-whose-licenses-were-expiring-get-interim-extension-one-year

Community Radios whose licenses were expiring get interim extension of one year
NEW DELHI: The Government has decided to renew Grant of Permission Agreements (GOPA) for an interim period of those community radio stations whose permissions have expired or are expiring. The decision was taken in consultation with Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI).

The Information and Broadcasting Ministry made it clear that the extension is effective for one year from 7 February this year or till the final policy guidelines are introduced, whichever is earlier.

The stations would be required to furnish bank guarantees of Rs 25,000 having validity up to the interim period. The stations would also have to give an undertaking as notified by the Ministry.

A total of just 161 community radio stations were operational as of 1 December 2013. A total of 223 applications were under process and 616 applications had been rejected.

A total of 1277 applications had been received by the government from 2004 till December 2013. A total of 438 letters of intent had been issued and 194 GOPA had been signed. Community Radios in India were started after the first policy for Community Radios was approved in the year 2002.


Vinod Pavarala
Professor & UNESCO Chair on Community Media
Department of Communication
University of Hyderabad
Gachibowli, Hyderabad A.P. 500046
India
91-40-23135501
http://www.commuoh.in/
http://www.uccommedia.in/


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