**Summary:**
In response to Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No. 1624, addressed on July 30, 2025, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting provides the following information regarding FM radio stations in India:
As of July 30, 2025, there are 585 All India Radio (Akashvani) FM stations and 388 private FM radio stations operational across the country. State-wise details are available on the ministry's website.
The government approved the e-auction of 730 private FM channels in 234 previously uncovered cities on August 28, 2024. This includes 3 channels in Jammu and Kashmir. State-wise details, including reserve prices, are accessible on the ministry’s website. The launch of these channels is expected within the next three years.
The annual license fee for FM channels in these 234 new cities will be 4% of Gross Revenue, excluding GST. A concession of 2% of Gross Revenue, excluding GST, will be offered to permission holders in the North Eastern states, Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, and Island territories for the initial three years of operation. The total revenue expected from this initiative was not specified.
Dr. L. Murugan, Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs, provided the response.
Key Entities Referenced
All India Radio: A radio broadcaster in India, also known as Akashvani FM.
Private FM radio stations: Privately owned and operated FM radio stations in India.
SHRI JUGAL KISHORE: Member of LOK SABHA who raised the question about FM Radio Stations.
L. MURUGAN: The Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs who provided the answer to the question.
Jammu and Kashmir: A Union Territory of India where new FM radio channels are planned to be launched.
Akashvani FM stations: FM stations operated by All India Radio.
North East: Refers to the North Eastern states of India, which are eligible for concession on license fees.
234 new uncovered cities: Cities in India where new Private FM channels are planned through eauction.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1624
TO BE ANSWERED ON 30.07.2025
FM RADIO STATIONS.
1624. SHRI JUGAL KISHORE:
Will the Minister of INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING be pleased to state:
(a) the number of FM stations All India Radio and private FM radio stations operational in
the country at present, State-wise;
(b) Whether the Government proposes to issue new licenses to private companies in this
sector;
(c) if so, the details thereof and the state-wise number of FM radio channels are likely to be
launched further more in the Country including Jammu and Kashmir in the next three years;
(d) the total revenue likely to be generated as a result of this;
(e) whether the Government proposes to offer any concession to those channels; and
(f) if so, the details thereof?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING AND
PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS
(DR. L. MURUGAN)
(a) to (f)
At present, 585 Akashvani FM stations and 388 Private FM radio stations are operational in
the country. The state-wise list of these stations is available on the ministry’s website.
On 28th August 2024, Government approved the e-auction of 730 Private FM channels in 234
new uncovered cities including 3 channels in Jammu and Kashmir. State-wise details of these
channels including reserve price are available on ministry’s website.
Annual License fees for FM channels in 234 new uncovered cities shall be charged at 4% of
Gross Revenue, excluding GST. Further the permission holders in the states of North East and
UT of Jammu & Kashmir and Island territories will be charged 2% of Gross Revenue,
excluding GST, for an initial period of three years from the date of operationalisation of the
channel.
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