The eastern state of Odisha in India, which has six existing community radio (CR) stations, could have at least two to three more in the next few months, according to The Times of India.

The state already has the maximum number of CR stations in eastern India.

Its neighbouring state Bihar has four, Bengal and Assam have two while the lone CR station in Jharkhand has been shut down.

The central government is also trying to simplify the process of opening a CR station with the Union Minister for Information & Broadcasting Arun Jaitley announcing last month that the application process would soon go online.

However, it is the sustainability of the stations that remains a major concern.

According to Prasanna Mishra of Keonjhar-based Rural Reconstruction, which works on climate change and its effects on tribals, he needs an assurance on this before applying for a licence.

“I am not too sure if and how we will be able to sustain such a community radio station, if we manage to start one,” he told The Times of India.

Currently, India has 179 community radio stations and the I&B ministry has set aside $16 million (Rs 1 billion) for CR stations in the 12th Five Year Plan but most of this amount remains unutilised.