In a bid to inform and educate the youth, Bihar government has decided to set up Frequency Modulation radio stations in 24 selected high schools and colleges in the state by the end of this year.

"The decision to set up FM radio stations was taken in view of the fast-changing world and is aimed at providing exposure to talent," Arjun Rai, state minister of information & public relations, told rediff.com in Patna on Wednesday.

Earlier, in the state assembly, Rai said the government had already applied for a licence. A decision in this regard was pending with the Centre, he added. 

Rai said the concept of FM radio or community radio would also promote the local culture.

Each FM radio station would be able to beam its programme in a radius of five kilometres.

According to official sources, the cost for setting up a community radio station, including equipment and installation charges, will be around Rs 4.8 lakh. The cost of the studio (optional) will be Rs 2.30 lakh.

The operational cost of a community radio station, as worked out by the government, is Rs 46,965 per month while the expected monthly revenue has been pegged at Rs 50,400. Sixty per cent of the cost will be borne by the Human Resources Development department of the state while the remaining will be funded by loans from banks.