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TN introduces bill to acquire Sumangali, Hathway in state
MUMBAI: The Tamil Nadu government has introduced a legislation that gives it the powers to acquire and take over bigger cable TV networks in the state, including multi-service operators (MSOs) and Optical Transport systems.
The bill (a copy of which is available with Indiantelevision.com), which was introduced in the state assembly today by Tamil Nadu law minister D Jayakumar, specifically mentions two MSOs in the state. The phrasing of the bill is as follows: “This Act on the appointed date, will apply to the activities of Sumangali Cable vision having its offices at… and Hathway…”
The bill appears clearly to be targeting the activities of southern broadcast king Kalanithi Maran’s SCV and Hathway Cable and Datacom (in which Star India has a 26 per cent stake).
When contacted, senior officials of both MSOs remained tight-lipped on their possible course of action.
The state government has cited public interest concerns to justify a legislation that harks back to the nationalisation of banks in the country in the early seventies by then prime minister the late Indira Gandhi.
Among the reasons attached to the bill, the government said it has received “numerous” complaints on the failure of the networks in providing proper facilities and collection of “prohibitive” charges for the packages of pay channels, “disrupting proper telecast of certain channels” and “selective blurring of certain channels.” The bill also alludes to “coercion often being resorted to by distributors and operators.”
The critical point in the bill as far as the two MSOs are concerned is this: “The government of Tamil Nadu cannot shirk its responsibility in this sphere. It is, therefore, proposed to enact a legislation for the acquisition, transfer, and taking over of the administration of the cable television networks including MSOs and optical transport systems (fibre optic delivery).”
The bill further states: “The rights conferred by the Constitution to carry on trade by such companies or persons engaged in television transmission networks is subject to reasonable restrictions imposed in the interest of the general public.”
That the state government is targeting only the big boys in the business is clear when it states that “this bill intends to keep the small street-level tail end cable operators outside the purview of the legislation” since “they function at the fag end of the distribution system.”
Now its over to Sumangali and Hathway to see their next move. This tussle is still a while away from the end game stage though since it has to first by passed by the legislative assembly and become an Act.
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.
