Assam: Kokrajhar Akashvani gets 10 kw FM transmitter as New Year gift

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KOKRAJHAR: The upgrade of Akashvani, Kokrajhar to a 10 kilowatt FM transmitter at the start of 2025 was a historic accomplishment for the people of Kokrajhar and the BTC region. The Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting, Electronics and Information Technology and Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw virtually inaugurated the 10 kw FM Transmitter of Kokrajhar Akashvani from Guwahati on Friday. The inauguration ceremony was graced by key dignitaries, including Governor of Assam Lakshman Prasad Acharya, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, Rajya Sabha MP Pabitra Margherita, Education Minister Ranoj Pegu and other prominent leaders. The chief of BTC Pramod Boro along with MPs-Rwngwra Narzary and Joyanta Basumatary and other prominent personalities were present at Nilkamal Brahma Memorial Auditorium Hall, Kokrajhar Science College in Kokrajhar.

In his speech, the chief of BTC Pramod Boro said the Radio and TV centre was a long pending demand of the people of Bodoland region and these demands have come true with the upgrade of existing transmitter to 10 kw. He expressed his hope that Kokrajhar Akashvani will provide better services that emphasise the local language and culture and provide up-to-date information on all programmes. He thanked the Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi, Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma for upgrading Kokrajhar Akashvani as New Year gift.

Boro hailed the day as historic, expressing his satisfaction that a long-anticipated wish for better connectivity and development in broadcasting services for the region had now been realized. “This FM transmitter will provide high-quality broadcasts over a 70-kilometer radius, enhancing receptivity for Kokrajhar and nearby districts,” Boro remarked. The BTC chief highlighted that this initiative will lead to improvement in accessibility to vital information, cultural exchange, and entertainment, thus fostering regional development and enhancing community engagement.

In his speech, Rajya Sabha MP Rwngwra Narzary said it was a happy moment for the people of BTR as the people of the region have got the upgrade of 10 kw FM transmitter at Kokrajhar Akashvani centre today. He said Kokrajhar Akashvani was established on 15 August, 1999 which was one of the 92 charter of demands of the ABSU submitted by Bodofa UN Brahma but the transmission of Kokrajhar centre was too poor. He also said the present government had taken prompt initiative for upgrade and now its 10 kw transmitter will cover an area of 70 km radius. He also said the Bodos had been demanding upgrade of Kokrajhar Akashvani to programme production centres far from Guwahati Akashvani to highlight the ethnic local culture and languages.

Lok Sabha MP-Joyanta Basumatary said it was a gift of the New Year to the people of BTC region. It was a long felt demand of the people of Kokrajhar. He said Kokrajhar Akashvani got started with just 100 mw which could not cover even Kokrajhar town but after expansion of its services to 10 kw, it will cover up to 70 km radius, he said adding that due to lack of high-power transmitter, the local languages did not reach the electronic media. He hoped that more such projects will come to BTC as part of Vikshit Bharat mission of the Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi in the days to come.

The programme was also attended by BTC EM Ukhil Mushahary, JJ Das, Chief General of Bongaigaon Refinery, RG Boro, ADG of Akashvani, Kokrajhar, Former Principal of Govt. CTE, Kokrajhar-Padmashree Dr. Mangalsigh Hazowary, Principal of Kokrajhar Govt. College Dr. Dimasha Dwibrang Mashahary and other dignitaries.

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