Bijapur: While the dominance of social media platforms and mobile phones is growing rapidly across the globe, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has distributed radios in various villages of the Bastar division under the Civic Action Programme.
Radio has emerged as a powerful weapon in the battle against Naxalism in Chhattisgarh. As part of this campaign, the 228th Battalion of the CRPF distributed radios in the village of Jidpalli and nearby towns. With radio distribution, villagers are receiving information on employment, exams, and recruitment into the army or police.
Along with entertaining, informing, and educating people, radio is playing a pivotal role in changing the mindset of people in restive villages by raising awareness of government welfare schemes at the centre and the state.
Radio is not just a medium of entertainment, but a link of trust and communication, said Raghav, Assistant Commandant of Forward Operating Base (FOB)-Jidpalli.
He explained that through radio, weather bulletins, agricultural advice, information on government schemes, and national news, villagers consistently receive information, enabling them to be better prepared for any disaster or opportunity.
According to the Assistant Commandant, in areas where mobile networks do not reach, the radio still delivers a voice. Now, government schemes and global events are reaching directly into these restive villages.
Raghav also noted that for the Bastar region, which is coming out of Naxal violence and heading toward development, such communication mediums are vital as they replace rumours with accurate information.
“Information about government policies is reaching villagers through this channel. Insights on farming and weather are improving lives, and the widespread impact of radio distribution is clearly visible,” he added.
“The radio has changed the daily routine of the villagers. For the youth, it has become a new window to see and understand the world,” Sukkhu Yadav, a local farmer, said.
He further explained that earlier, we used to predict rain by looking at the sky; now, we listen to the weather forecast on the radio to decide the timing for sowing and harvesting.
Lakshman Yadav, a youth from Jidpalli Rawatpara, said that, apart from local news, we can hear news from across the country on the radio.
“We receive information on farming and health-related tips as well. We can hear about any incidents or accidents, and we stay updated on government schemes and avail ourselves of their benefits. Moreover, after a long day of work, hearing folk songs on the radio cuts our exhaustion in half,” he added.
In districts like Bijapur, radio not only entertains, informs, and educates people but also plays a crucial role in changing the mindset of residents in remote and sensitive villages. Through regular broadcasts in local languages and dialects, radio programmes are raising awareness of welfare schemes implemented by the Union and State governments.
Radio has proven to be a reliable and trusted source of information in rural areas where internet connectivity remains weak and smartphone access is limited. Community and FM radio stations are used to convey messages about government initiatives, development projects, health services, education, and livelihood opportunities.
Programmes highlighting the benefits of schemes related to ration distribution, housing, healthcare, pensions, employment and education are helping villagers understand the positive impact of governance and development. This, officials said, is gradually reducing the influence of misinformation and propaganda often spread by Naxal groups.
Radio broadcasts also feature success stories of local people who have benefited from government schemes, encouraging others to come forward and access similar benefits. Interactive programmes, folk music, local news and discussions on social issues have helped build trust between the administration and the local population.
Security officials believe that the consistent flow of accurate information through the radio is contributing to greater public awareness and confidence in the system. By addressing local concerns and promoting developmental narratives, radio is emerging as an important psychological and communication tool in countering Naxal ideology.
Efforts are intensifying to further strengthen radio outreach in remote areas, with a focus on inclusive communication and community participation. They added that the radio will continue to play a significant role in supporting peace, development and integration in Naxal-affected regions of the state. (ANI)
