New Delhi: In line with the Government's plan to increase the scope of community radio stations in India, broadcast regulator TRAI today (Dec 9, 2004) released growth-oriented recommendations, which include lifting the restrictions on coverage of news and current affairs and allowing commercial advertising, apart from making the venture free of any licence fee.

TRAI, which had brought out a consultation paper on issues relating to community radio on August 25 this year, also expanded the scope of the eligibility, saying any legal entity, including individuals, can be eligible for grant of a community radio licence, though making it clear that banned organisations and their members should be disqualified.

Also, it sought to simplify and make fast the process of granting licence for community radios and instead of several steps required earlier, it said applications should be filed directly with the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, which would in turn refer them to the Ministry of Home Affairs.

''The Ministry of Home Affairs should give its recommendations/clearance within three months from the last date of filing of applications," TRAI said, recommending a license period of five years with a provision for revocation of the license by the Government.

The Government had, in December 2002, decided to open up the Community Radio Broadcasting sector by announcing a new policy which envisaged granting licenses to educational institutions recognised by the Central Government or the State Government.