Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated 91 FM transmitters across 18 states and 2 Union Territories of India on Friday. The inauguration was conducted virtually and was attended by officials from All India Radio (AIR) and other stakeholders.
The PM said that the expansion of the FM service of All India Radio is a significant step towards becoming an All India FM. He called the launch of 91 FM transmission a gift to 2 crore people of 85 districts of the country. The transmitters are expected to provide timely dissemination of information regarding weather and will prove to be helpful for women’s self-help groups.
The Prime Minister stressed the importance of technology and stated that access to affordable technology is crucial. He said that his government is working towards the democratization of technology and that every citizen should have access to it. PM Modi highlighted that the affordability of mobile devices and data plans has enabled widespread access to information.
The Prime Minister also spoke about the importance of radio and how it has evolved with the digital revolution. He said that radio has not gone obsolete and has come in a new avatar through online FMs and podcasts. He also mentioned that many education courses are now available on DTH services. PM Modi concluded that FM radio and DTH have both shown a window to the future of Digital India.
The FM transmitters are expected to play a significant role in the timely dissemination of information, including weather forecasts for agriculture, and will help connect women’s self-help groups with new markets. The Prime Minister emphasized the value of the infotainment of FM and its importance in connecting the nation.
The expansion of FM service is seen as a significant step towards the democratization of technology, providing affordable and accessible technology to every citizen of India. The initiative is expected to benefit millions of people in the country, providing them with easy access to information and entertainment.