Kendrapara: The radio was once an integral part of commoners. The programmes of AIR Cuttack were listened to by the people of the state when no other modern communication systems were available.
But with the advent of TV, the tastes of people changed and most people preferred it. To create an interest among people of his panchayat to listen to radio, a sarpanch has taken a bold initiative by starting a Soochana Kendra (information centre) at his office.
The Soochana Kendra was inaugurated August 15 by Collector, Dasarathi Satapathy, at Bhagabatpur panchayat office.
According to Chittaranjan Behera, sarpanch of Bhagabatpur, he has been a fan of AIR from childhood.
Radio broadcasts can reach a wide audience. In remote areas, where access to the Internet is limited and illiteracy is high, radio plays a major role in sharing news. It plays an important part for local communities for more than just emergency announcements during disasters. Even today, during calamities, the role of radio cannot be ignored.
“I have decided to provide my panchayat up to date information about weather, health, and latest technology in farming through AIR programmes,” said Behera.
He purchased 10 mike sets and transistors and an amplifier at a cost of Rs 70,000 and installed mikes on the electric pole of eight wards of Bhagabatpur and Balia market.
The control room was set up at the panchayat office and a technician has been engaged. Over 6,000 people listen to AIR in his panchayat everyday. The people of his panchayat get updated news through AIR Cuttack and New Delhi.
Soon, the second phase of installing mike sets all over the village will begin, the sarpanch said.
One can find groups of people congregate near the electric pole on which the public address system is fixed, to listen to news and other programmes, said Manoj Kumar Rana.
“This is probably the first of its kind not only in the district but also in the state. The sarpanch has taken a good step,” said Subashis Jena, a shopkeeper of Balia market.
“We came to know about the news of former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s death at New Delhi AIIMS through AIR Cuttack in the evening,” said Bijayalaxmi Behera, a housewife.
It’s a good job done by the sarpanch to create awareness among people and educate them, said sub-collector Sanjay Kumar Mishra.
PNN
