Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, on Friday inaugurated 91 new 100W FM Transmitters across 18 states and two union territories including Mon and Tuensang in Nagaland via video conferencing.
Addressing the gathering, Modi said that today marks a significant step in the expansion of FM services by All India Radio (AIR) in the direction of becoming All India FM. He underlined that the beginning of 91 FM transmitters by AIR was like a present for 85 districts and two crore people of the nation. In a way, the Prime Minister said it provides a glimpse of the diversity and colours of India.
He informed that the districts covered under the new 91 FM transmitters were aspirational districts and blocks, and congratulated AIR for the momentous achievement. He also congratulated the citizens of the Northeast who will greatly benefit from this.
PM Modi underlined that the inauguration of 91 FM transmitters forwards the policies of the government that gives preference to the underprivileged who have been deprived of this facility so far. He said that the government was continuously working for the democratization of technology. Modi touched upon the dimension of linguistic diversity and informed that FM transmission will take place in all the languages and especially in the regions with 27 dialects.
As part of the government’s commitment to enhancing FM connectivity in the country, 91 new 100W FM transmitters have been installed in 85 districts across 18 States and two Union Territories. A special focus of this expansion has been on enhancing coverage in Aspirational Districts and in border areas.
Mon: State lone Rajya Sabha MP, S Phangnon Konyak graced the occasion as the guest of honour in Mon. Phangnon thanked the AIR for introducing FM, saying it was the vision of the Prime Minister that no one was left out even in such a far-flung area like Mon.
She 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.
KK Rengma, DDG (E)/cluster head, while delivering the welcome address, acknowledged the retired 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 thanks to the Prime Minister for inaugurating 100W FM transmitters at Mon. She also 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.
Tuensang: Deputy Commissioner (DC) Tuensang Nokchasashi, while speaking at the inaugural programme, said that opening of FM station at Tuensang would greatly benefit the people of the area as people rely on the radio for their communication, to get information and news.
He said that FM station would transmit information about locally relevant programmes, education, health, and social issues to the masses, which can bring a significant change in the life of the people.
Welcome address and vote of thanks were given by Rachel Shimray Hop and Temsula PEX respectively. Invocation was given by Sangtam Baptist Church Tuensang Pastor Imsujungba.