Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday virtually inaugurated 100W FM Transmitters at Tuensang and Mon districts in Nagaland.

“Those who were considered to be distant will now get a chance to connect at a greater level,” PM Modi said in New Delhi from where he inaugurated the transmitters at 91 locations in 84 districts of 20 states.

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Tuensang

Deputy Commissioner Nokchasashi, NCS said that the event was a new chapter for Prasar Bharati Tuensang and the denizens of the district. He asserted that 60% of the Indian population rely on the Radio for information and mentioned its importance during the freedom struggle and in the nation building. He said that the Radio does not only broadcast information or entertain the masses, but it also educates the masses.

The DC acknowledged that the Radio holds a special place in the hearts of millions of Indians to this day and lauded ‘Mann Ki Baat’ programme for bringing Modi’s message close to the people.

Despite of the advancement of technology, the Radio remains an important means of communication especially for people in rural areas, especially in remote villages of Tuensang where there is no internet connection, Nokchasashi added.

Taking advantage of the inauguration of the transmitter, he expressed hope that Tuensang Radio Station will create innovative engaging and locally relatable programmes on education, health, social issues, etc that can be transmitted to the masses.

“Radio Station Tuensang has the potential to make significant changes in the lives of the people of this region,” the DC said, adding that it will continue to be a beacon of reliable information for the community.

Further, he stated that while celebrating this milestone, it is an opportunity to acknowledge the resilience of the media which has adapted and evolved to remain relevant in the rapidly changing world.

During the momentous event, a set of Radio each was presented to individuals, unions and organisations.

Mon

Member of Parliament Rajya Sabha, S. Phangnon Konyak graced the occasion as the Guest of Honour at Mon, DIPR informed. In her address, she thanked Prasar Bharati on behalf of Mon District and said that it is PM’s vision that no one should be left out even in such a far-flung area like Mon.  In this digital world, information is a very powerful weapon that one cannot do anything without, she said.

Konyak added that Radio is one of the cheapest, most affordable means of communication where one can get accurate news. She added that this is a platform where one can contribute and also learn and urged the citizens of Mon to lend their cooperation, so in the future, a proper station will be set up to cover the whole district.

K.K Rengma, DDG (E) / Cluster Head, while delivering the welcome address, acknowledged the entire staff of AIR Mon who had lent their time. He also requested the people of Mon to contribute through this medium.

Lemjan Phom, Programme Executive, AIR Kohima, extended gratitude to the Prime Minister for inaugurating 100W FM transmitters at Mon and also thanked MP Phangnon Konyak for gracing the occasion as the Guest of Honour. She acknowledged the cooperation of the Administration, Police, civil societies, and the citizens for Mon.

David Konyak presented a special number and, thereafter, Radio Sets were distributed to dignitaries.

@narendramodi @ianuragthakur @AkashvaniAIR @PIB_India @PIBKohima @MyGovNagaland pic.twitter.com/dGi3izEHgG

— S. Phangnon Konyak (@SPhangnon) April 28, 2023

Overview

With PM Modi commissioning Low Power FM Transmitters of capacity of 100 Watt on Friday, All India Radio has increased from 524 to 615. The addition will further boost the coverage of AIR to 73.5% of the population of the country.

According to PIB, Left Wing Extremism hit areas, Aspirational Districts and border areas of the country have been given priority for the installation of the transmitters.

Clear sound quality and easy availability of FM receiver equipped mobile phones has increased the demand of FM radio service in the country. In another major step towards meeting this demand and capacity building of the organisation, Government has further approved installation of 63 more FM transmitters in the country.

(With inputs from DIPR and PIB)