News Headline
DD modernisation cost over 3 years was Rs 383 crore
NEW DELHI: A sum of Rs 382.88 crore has been spent by Doordarshan to digitize and modernize its infrastructure over the last three years.
In 2013-14, Doordarshan spent Rs 159.81 crore though the sum allocated was Rs 156.01 crore, while in 2014-15, it spent Rs 153.37 crore out of the Rs 155 allocated. In 2015-16, DD spent a provisional Rs 69.7 crore out of the Rs 191.50 allocated.
Modernization/upgradation of studios, transmitters and satellite broadcast equipment that are at various stages of implementation in under the 12th Plan are: Digitalization of transmitters and studios in Doordarshan network, including adoption of digital video broadcasting (DVB)-T2 technology; High definition television (HDTV); Modernization, augmentation and replacement of transmitter and studio equipment; Modernization, augmentation and replacement of satellite broadcast equipment.
Giving details, DD sources said that all the 39 Studios have been made digital (except Camera chains). The purchase proposal for procurement of Camera chains has been submitted for financial sanction.
Of the 53 digital transmitters, 16 digital transmitters (HPTs) have been commissioned in the first phase from 25 February and another 3 digital HPTs have been installed and are under testing. Action for setting up of remaining 44 digital transmitters in the next phase has been initiated and expected to be setup in about 2 years.
All the four HDTV transmitters at four metro locations have been installed and ready for commissioning. The HD Studio at Delhi and Mumbai has been set up. Action for setting up HD Studio at Chennai and Kolkata has been initiated.
Referring a question about multi camera mobile production facility in HDTV format, DD sources said two were supplied at Delhi and Mumbai. For the third, tenders received earlier have been cancelled on technical considerations and fresh notice inviting tenders is being issued.
A total of 13 ageing HPTs have been replaced by new HPTs. At two other locations, installation of transmitter equipment has been completed and is under testing.
All equipment envisaged as part of 11th Plan schemes have been provided, except Camera chains which are under procurement. Equipment envisaged as part of 12th Plan new schemes are at various stages of procurement.
Out of 18 earth stations, one has been upgraded. At four locations, all earth station equipment except RF equipment (which has been ordered) have been installed and tested. At the remaining 13 locations, specifications of equipment are under finalization.
New earth stations have been set up at four places. For the remaining one, tenders have been opened for part of the earth station equipment and under evaluation.
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
