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DD operational costs more than double its revenue till Oct in 2014-15
NEW DELHI: Doordarshan earned revenue of Rs 525.09 crore up to October 2014, but its operational costs during 2014-15 up to the same month was Rs 1169.58 crore.
According to Prasar Bharati sources there has been some increase in the operational cost of Doordarshan due to various factors such as hike in salary, widening the eligibility for air travel entitlement, payment of tuition fee, leave encashment with LTC, Modified Assured Career Progression, etc. in the wake of implementation of recommendations of the Sixth Central Pay Commission.
The operational cost of DD was Rs 1945.84 crore as against revenue of Rs 1145.44 crore for 2013-14, while the operational cost was Rs 1883.19 crore as against revenue of Rs 1138.23 crore in 2012-13.
Sources informed Indiantelevision.com that Prasar Bharati strictly follows austerity measures and other economy instructions issued by the Finance Ministry from time to time for reducing operating expenses.
The source added that the pubcaster had been striving hard to maximise revenue generation by adopting measures like aggressive marketing strategy, appropriate utilisation of spare infrastructure available with DD, content improvement, introduction of Direct To Home (DTH) services, sharing of towers etc.
In accordance with a Cabinet approval on 14 September 2012, the Government agreed to provide 100 per cent expenses towards salary and salary related expenses during the years from 2012-13 to 2016-17.
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.
