Government calls for FM in border areas
Home Minister Rajnath Singh has asked the country’s defence force Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) to set up radio communication in border areas, according to The Times of India. He said the SSB should consider starting FM radio channels in the border areas so that Prime Minister Narendra Modi‘s monthly ‘Mann Ki Baat’ programme could reach there. Also if needed he could also communicate with the forces though these channels.
The SSB, which is governed by the Home Ministry, is active along the Indo-Nepal and Indo-Bhutan borders. The government has been strengthening its broadcasting systems along the country’s borders and has earmarked US$63.4 million for the expansion of the public service broadcaster AIR in these areas.
It recently approved 18 new FM radio channels for the north-eastern states and 15 new FM channels for Jammu & Kashmir.
