NEW DELHI: The Government today announced a new scheme to promote community radio with an allocation of Rs 100 crore.

This will support about 600 new and existing community radio stations, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said while presenting his budget for 2014-15.

He said that 400 permissions for setting up of a community radio stations had been issued so far.

The Government had recently announced a scheme for grants to those who come up with innovations in development of community radio and has also instituted annual awards in various categories for community radio stations.

"Budgetary allocations for promoting community radio are also welcome, though the sector policies needs re-visiting to ensure the viability of these stations on a long-term basis," concluded PricewaterhouseCoopers leader- entertainment & media practice India Smita Jha