When Own <I>Mohallah</I> Is on Air, All You Will Hear Is Radio Ga Ga

This article describes an Indian Information and Broadcasting Ministry plan to bring community
radio to neighbourhoods throughout India. The proposed changes would simplify the process for
receiving clearance to start up a new station and would mean that
non-governmental organisations, voluntary associations, and Resident Welfare
Associations (RWA) could "start radio stations of their own, subject to the
availability of frequencies."



Advertising would be allowed up to 5 minutes per hour, and "foreign funds will be allowed through the FCRA or Foreign Contribution
(Regulation) Act." Other proposals to simplify the process include increasing transmitter wattage and reducing the bank
guarantee the licensee is required to provide from Rs 50,000 to Rs 25,000.



One reason cited for this change is the communication problems that occurred during the 2004 Tsunami disaster.
The author quotes one source as stating that "Communities operating radio stations along the coastal area could have issued
adequate warning to prevent large-scale casualties."