Wednesday, May 21, 2008

Panchayat Radio' set to stage a comeback

Ramesh Susarla
It will be launched at Gudivada by the month-end
GUNTUR: All India Radio Vijayawada will enter a record of sorts by re-introducing the concept of 'Panchayat Radio' that was in vogue in majority of rural areas. Though the advent of television had weaned away the audience, things have changed now with FM radios making waves. 'Panchayat Radio' will be re-introduced at Tummala Rama Bhramam Park at Gudivada in Krishna district by the end of this month. The then MLA, Annamma Raju, had introduced the community radio in the park in 1939 and 15 years ago the facility became defunct. However, the local Jaycee's Club has come forward to revive it for the youth and elderly, who use this park most. All India Radio Vijayawada Station Director Mangalagiri Aditya Prasad, who was here to attend a programme on Annamayya Jayanti on Monday, told The Hindu that this concept was being given wide publicity so that all panchayats that had funds (Rs.5, 000) with them could reintroduce the 'Panchayat Radio' facility for the farmers, elderly and the youth. He plans to write to the District Panchayat Officers, District Collectors and Panchayat presidents to allow the board to invest in this facility for the entertainment and education of people of the village through FM and MW radio programmes. Jaycee's Club local secretary Satyanarayana Babu said their club would invest in the setting up of public speaker system and an FM amplifier along with MW radio so that all the programmes are heard all over the park and adjoining walking track. The Walkers' Club has also shown interest in reviving the facility for which a room is available so that they could enjoy music during morning and evening and Yuva Vani programmes are very popular, said the AIR Station Director. Similar facility would be introduced in three panchayats initially in Krishna district.
 

No comments:

Post a Comment