Government goes 'on air' to combat Naxalism, sanctions Rs 2.16 crore to All India Radio

NEW DELHI: To counter Maoist propaganda, national broadcaster All India Radio will play jingles urging villagers and tribals to distance themselves from Naxal groups and instead join the mainstream.

The Union Home Ministry, an important department for implementing welfare schemes in Naxal violence-hit areas along with other central and state government agencies, has sanctioned Rs 2.16 crore to the largest and state-owned radio service to air jingles and audio clips promoting welfare schemes and rejecting Naxalism.

The sanction has been made to Prasar Bharti under the national media plan.

According to the plan, the jingles will be played for a period of two months in various Naxal violence-hit states.

The AIR stations on the Medium Wave and Frequency Modulation will relay the jingles which is part of a multi-pronged strategy of the government to carry out development works in the Left Wing Extremism-affected areas.