Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw inaugurated a 20 kW Akashvani FM transmitter in Jaisalmer to boost communication along the India-Pakistan border while also launching two advanced research labs at MNIT Jaipur. The initiatives aim to strengthen national security through improved information reach and position Rajasthan as a hub for deep-tech research in Quantum and Artificial Intelligence. This dual launch underscores the government’s focus on bridging the digital divide in remote areas while simultaneously pushing the boundaries of scientific innovation.
Enhancing Border Communication: The Jaisalmer FM Transmitter
The newly inaugurated high-power FM transmitter is located in Ramgarh, Jaisalmer, and operates with a capacity of 20 kW. This facility is a critical component of the government’s broader Kashmir to Kutch vision, which seeks to create a continuous broadcast wall along India’s international borders. The transmitter provides high-quality radio coverage within an 80-kilometre radius, effectively reaching nearly 20,000 square kilometres of the Jaisalmer district.
This project addresses the long-standing challenge of media-dark patches in the Thar Desert. Residents in these remote frontier areas often face weak mobile and television signals, making radio a vital lifeline for information. With the addition of this facility, Rajasthan now hosts a total of 39 Akashvani FM transmitters, significantly expanding the state’s broadcasting infrastructure.
Strategic Importance: Countering Propaganda and Bridging Gaps
Beyond its technical reach, the Jaisalmer transmitter serves a vital strategic purpose. For decades, residents along the border have been targeted by cross-border propaganda from Pakistani radio stations. By providing a clear and reliable Indian signal, Akashvani can now deliver an authentic counter-narrative, reflecting India’s perspective directly to the frontier population.
This initiative also focuses on a Hyper-Local approach to broadcasting. The station will provide a platform for local folk artists and artisans from the Jaisalmer and Barmer regions, helping to preserve the unique cultural heritage of Western Rajasthan. Furthermore, the minister emphasized a Digital First strategy for Prasar Bharati, the parent organization of Akashvani, to ensure that public broadcasting remains relevant and effective.
Akashvani, formerly known as All India Radio (AIR), was established in 1936 and is headquartered in New Delhi. It functions under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. Prasar Bharati, established in 1997 following the Prasar Bharati Act, 1990, serves as India’s public service broadcaster.
Advancing Deep Tech: Quantum and AI Labs at MNIT Jaipur
In Jaipur, the launch of the Advanced Quantum Computing and Quantum Communications Lab and a dedicated AI Lab at the Malaviya National Institute of Technology (MNIT) marks a significant leap for Rajasthan’s technical education. These labs are designed to provide students and researchers with access to cutting-edge technologies, including the Semiverse platform for semiconductor training.
MNIT Jaipur, originally established in 1963 as a Regional Engineering College, was granted the status of an Institute of National Importance in 2007. It functions as a premier technical institute under the Ministry of Education. The new laboratories will focus on developing indigenous solutions in quantum-secure communication and artificial intelligence, aligning with the national goal of transitioning from a technology consumer to a primary provider.
India’s Deep Tech Ambition: National Quantum and AI Missions
The establishment of these laboratories is closely linked to India’s flagship technological missions. The National Quantum Mission (NQM), approved in 2023 with a budget of over ₹6,000 crore, aims to make India a global leader in quantum technologies by 2031. This mission focuses on four key verticals, which include quantum computing, communication, sensing and metrology, and materials and devices.
Similarly, the IndiaAI Mission, launched with an allocation of ₹10,372 crore, seeks to build a robust artificial intelligence ecosystem in the country. By setting up specialized labs in institutes like MNIT Jaipur, the government is creating a distributed network of research hubs. These facilities will contribute to the development of sovereign AI models and ensure that India remains at the forefront of the global digital revolution. This strategic focus on deep-tech is expected to drive economic growth and enhance national security in the coming decade.
Key Takeaways
- Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw inaugurated a 20 kW Akashvani FM transmitter in Ramgarh, Jaisalmer, to strengthen communication along the India-Pakistan border.
- The transmitter covers an 80-kilometre radius and nearly 20,000 square kilometres, bringing the total number of FM transmitters in Rajasthan to 39.
- New research facilities, including an Advanced Quantum Computing Lab and an AI Lab, were launched at MNIT Jaipur to promote deep-tech innovation.
- MNIT Jaipur, established in 1963, is an Institute of National Importance that functions under the Ministry of Education.
- The new labs support the National Quantum Mission, which has a budget of ₹6,003 crore, and the IndiaAI Mission, which is allocated ₹10,372 crore.
- Akashvani was established in 1936, while Prasar Bharati became operational in 1997 following the Prasar Bharati Act, 1990.
