The information and broadcasting ministry has sought security clearance from the home ministry to lease out All India Radio towers in border towns of the sensitive north-east region to private players who would be interested in launching FM channels.
In the first phase, the ministry has earmarked four states -- Assam, Tripura, Manipur and Nagaland -- to launch FM stations. Of them, the ministry has identified one station, Silchar in Assam to be given to private players. Gandacherra and Chamanu, two border towns in Tripura are likewise earmarked. Manipur will get three FM stations to be located at Ukhrul, Chandel and Churachandpur. Nagaland will get the maximum number of stations 16. These include stations at Kohima, Dimapur, Peren, Wokha, Mon, Tuensang, Phek and Tabu among others.
The ministry has decided to provide an attractive package to woo the private players to these remote locations where lack of industrialisation translates to mean less revenue from advertisements. The package includes 10 years lease period and permission to use AIR towers and infrastructure. The basic minimum tower and infrastructure charges are proposed to be reduced to 50 per cent in the first three years of the lease period. This benefit might be extended to the remaining seven years too if situation demands.
Besides a 15 per cent tax, applicable for the private players in other areas will not be applicable here.
Official sources also hinted that the government may allow a brief news headlines or news scan at a later stage in the middle of songs mainly to educate the residents of border towns. There is no denying the fact that the television and radio channels from neighbouring countries have huge influence among the residents of the border towns and villages.
Launching of FM channels along the border towns may bring some positive changes. The policy makers at the helm of affairs are of the view that the border region lacks entertainment facilities. There is hardly any theatre available. The state administration has a limited reach in these remote towns and villages.
This situation itself is a breeding ground for the insurgent outfits and their mentors to easily lure the youth into all sorts of anti-national activities. All India Radio has a reach over all the areas but AIR is strictly guided by the rules and policies of the Prasar Bharati. FM stations are already a hit in many metros and state capitals. They are also expected to be an instant hit in the border towns as well.
