NEW DELHI/BIJAPUR
The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has distributed over 10,000 radio sets in remote and Naxal-hit areas of Bastar, Chhattisgarh, under a civic action programme aimed at reducing Maoist influence and promoting national awareness. The four-month initiative, launched by the Ministry of Home Affairs earlier this year with a budget of ₹1.62 crore, concluded recently after several public events across villages.
Officials said 10,800 radios were handed out by 180 CRPF companies stationed in interior areas, potentially benefiting nearly 54,000 locals, with each family considered a five-member unit. “The drive seeks to integrate tribals and villagers into the national mainstream and counter Maoist propaganda through communication and awareness,” a senior officer said.
The programme also encourages people to connect with government and entertainment broadcasts, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s monthly ‘Mann Ki Baat’ radio address. Locals have been informed about various welfare schemes and initiatives being relayed on radio frequencies.
The Union government has asked the CRPF to provide space for additional radio towers in remote zones to expand coverage and ensure residents remain connected with developments at the state and national level. Each company was given 60 radios for distribution.
The CRPF, being the lead anti-Naxal force, was tasked with the campaign as it maintains forward bases in some of the most violence-affected areas of Chhattisgarh. The radios, costing about ₹1,500 each, operate on dry batteries or direct power and support FM, MW, and SW modes.
