What happened: Ministry urged States/UTs to promote CRS in disaster-prone areas and broadcast emergency information
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting communicated with State and Union Territory authorities to strengthen disaster-related information delivery through Community Radio Stations (CRS). The Ministry requested State leadership to use CRS as a disaster communication medium and to identify and promote the establishment of new CRS in disaster-vulnerable areas, including flood-prone and coastal regions.
The Ministry’s communication relied on the policy rule that Community Radio Stations can be directed to broadcast special messages required for contingencies arising from natural emergencies, natural disasters, public interest or similar situations. Under the policy guidelines, permission holders are obliged to comply with such directions.
The Ministry also emphasized that Community Radio Stations can broadcast public announcements related to civic amenities, natural calamities, health alerts and other information provided by local administration.
Background and earlier position: CRS policy role in local-language disaster communication
The policy guidelines for setting up Community Radio Stations in India describe the basic objective of community radio broadcasting as serving the community residing within the CRS service area. The guidelines also set out CRS responsibilities during emergencies.
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