The operation of Gyan Vani FM channels, which were stopped in 2014 due to discontinuation of payments by Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), will be resumed from January.
Signing of an MoU between IGNOU and All India Radio (AIR) last week paved the way for resuming the operation of the educational radio channels.NOU Vice Chancellor Prof Ravindra Kumar, who was present on the occasion of the MoU signing on December 9, said in the near future, there will be 56 Gyan Vani channels.Before being shut down on October 1, 2014, 37 Gyan Vani stations across the country were broadcasting educational radio programmes which were instructional and enriched in nature for different target groups."We are also considering starting of interactive radio sessions at study centres located in those areas where marginalized students can benefit," he said.
The MoU will facilitate sharing of Prasar Bharatis broadcasting infrastructure for the transmission of Gyan Vani radio stations which possess 10 KW FM transmitters, Prof Kiron Bansal, in-charge of Public Information Unit at IGNOU, said. Gyan Vani began operations in 2001 as a collaborative media initiative of Human Resource Development and Information and Broadcasting ministries. IGNOU was the nodal organisation running the channels.Due to discontinuation of payments by IGNOU from April 1, 2013, resulting in accumulation of dues to the tune of Rs 21.64 crore, operation of Gyan Vani channels were stopped by AIR. PTI VIT NSD
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