Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually inaugurated 91 FM transmitters across 18 states and 2 Union Territories of the country on Friday. During the inauguration, PM Modi said that the transmitters are a gift to 2 crore people who will soon have access to the facility.
"Today, this expansion of the FM service of All India Radio is an important step towards becoming All India FM. This launch of 91 FM transmission of All India Radio is like a gift to 2 crore people of 85 districts of the country," the Prime Minister was quoted as saying by ANI.
He also said that the transmitters will play a key role in timely dissemination of information regarding weather and will prove helpful for women self-help groups.
"Be it timely dissemination of information, weather forecasts for agriculture, or connecting the women's self-help groups with new markets these FM transmitters will play a key role. Infotainment of FM has a lot of value," said the PM.
Highlighting the importance of technology, the PM said that it is important that everyone should have access to affordable technology for which his government is working hard.
"Our govt is continuously working towards the democratisation of technology. Every citizen should be able to afford and have access to technology. We are. All India Radio has a vision of connecting the nation. The affordability of mobile devices and data plans has enabled widespread access to information," said PM Modi.
"The tech revolution has led to shaping radio and FM in a new way. Radio hasn’t gone obsolete. Through online FMs and podcasts, it has come in a new avatar. Digital India has given it new listeners. Today many education courses are available on DTH services. FM radio & DTH have both shown a window to the future of Digital India, the Prime Minister further said during the inauguration.