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Trai brings out Consultation Paper on community radio
MUMBAI: The Telecom Regulatory Authority of india (Trai) has brought out a Consultation Paper on issues relating to community radio.
The Consultation Paper covers the following issues:
1) The rationale for community radio.
2) The present framework and progress of the scheme.
3) Issues relating to eligibility.
4) Issues relating to the licencing process.
5) Funding of community radio stations.
6) Regulation and monitoring of community radio stations.
As far as the licencing process is concerned, Trai is seeking feedback on issues such as whether the applicants may be given temporary permits to operate for the time taken to grant a regular licence. There is also the issue of whether an independent licensing body should be set up to examine, evaluate and decide on the applications for community radio licence. Trai is also examining as to whether the requirement of furnishing a bank guarantee be done away with.
Trai had previously released a Consultation Paper on
issues relating to the second phase of private FM radio broadcasting on 14 April, 2004. A number of responses had been received in response to that paper relating to issues on the need for expansion of community radio. Therefore, Trai had decided to bring out a Consultation Paper on issues relating to community radio.
Other issues that Trai is seeking consultation on include whether there should be a separate programme code for community radio and whether the ban on broadcast of news and current affairs programmes should continue.
For the the latest consultation paper, Trai has invited comments from the stake holders by 15 September 2004.
For further details visit
www.trai.gov.in/CONSULTATION%20PAPER25AUG.HTM
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.
