Panjab University gets own community radio

CHANDIGARH - In a bid to highlight developmental issues and the problems of the people, the Panjab University (PU) here Sunday got its own “Jyotirgamaya” community radio.

Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Ambika Soni inaugurated the radio station at the School of Communication Studies building on the university campus.

“Considering the reach of radio and its affordability, this medium of mass communication holds great potential. I would see (to it) that the existing coverage range of PU radio (which is six km) is allowed to be extended as soon as possible,” Soni told reporters.

“It is the endeavour of my ministry to promote community radio stations as these are the best bonding agents and they involve the local population,” she added.

The community radio would impart information related to education, health, environment, society, cultural and would also be used for making announcements specific to the university.

This is the second community radio in Chandigarh. The first is being run by a leading private school.

Soni also said that there was need for self-regulation on general entertainment channels and the government was close to formulating a framework under which this could be made possible.