PM Modi launches 91 FM transmitters to boost coverage in remote areas
“Connectivity in any form should aim to connect the country and its 140-crore citizens,” said Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday, while virtually commissioning 91 transmitters to boost FM connectivity in the country’s border areas and aspirational districts.
“Those considered to be distant will now get a chance to connect at a greater level,” he said, as the 84 districts covered under the new 91 FM transmitters are located in remote and border areas in 18 Indian states and two Union Territories.
The focus of this expansion has been on enhancing coverage in aspirational districts, Left Wing Extremism-affected regions and border areas.
Inauguration of 91 FM transmitters will revolutionise the radio industry in India. https://t.co/wYkBbxGHqT
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 28, 2023
The PM also highlighted his government’s emphasis on other forms of connectivity such as social and cultural. “Our government is strengthening cultural connectivity and intellectual connectivity also,” the Prime Minister said, citing how Padma and other awards have been made truly the people’s awards by honouring real heroes. “Unlike earlier, now instead of being based on recommendations, Padma awards are being conferred for service to the nation and society,” he added.
Noting that tourism has got a boost after the rejuvenation of pilgrimages and religious places, the PM said that the increasing number of people visiting tourist places is proof of better cultural connectivity in the country. Citing examples of museums related to tribal freedom fighters, Babasaheb Ambedkar’s Panchteerth, PM Museum and the National War Memorial, he said that such initiatives have given a new dimension to intellectual and emotional connectivity in the country.
“For me, there is an added happiness that I have a relationship with radio as a host, too,” the Prime Minister said referring to the upcoming 100th episode of ‘Mann Ki Baat’.
“Through radio and Mann Ki Baat, I could be linked to the strength of the country and the collective power of the duty among the countrymen,” said the PM, adding, “in a way, I am part of your All India Radio team.”
The states and UTs covered include Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, West Bengal, Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Telangana, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Ladakh and Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
With this expansion of AIR’s FM service, an additional 2-crore people will now be covered, said a statement by the Prime Minister’s Office.
Union Minister Anurag Thakur addressed the gathering from Leh via video conferencing. He said the transmitters will act as a conduit to carry information about the programmes and policies of the government as well as entertainment-related content. Among those who attended the event virtually were several Padma awardees and several chief ministers.
