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Government still unclear about future of CAS
NEW DELHI: The government is not sure about the future of conditional access system (CAS) in either Delhi or in Mumbai and Kolkata. It is also uncertain whether to push ahead with the rollout of addressability in the aftermath of the outcome of the assembly elections.
“We are still to decide whether to go the whole hog (on CAS) or not,” as senior government official told few journalists this evening.
Dropping broad hints that one may write off CAS for good, the official added, “The decision on Delhi, as also the rest of the country, would have to be taken at the highest level (of the government). The information and broadcasting ministry alone cannot take a final decision on the issue.”
It may be recalled that Delhi was taken off the CAS rollout map of four metros earlier this year by the government on the pleas that introduction of addressability before the assembly elections, which took place yesterday, would complicate matters during the polls. Subsequently, Delhi was de-notified from the CAS roadmap.
This was done by the government as the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Delhi unit head and chief ministerial aspirant, Madan Lal Khurana, had convinced the top leadership of the party that introduction of CAS before the polls would dampen the poll prospectus of the party. Now, with exit polls, being aired on TV channels, showing that the Union territory of Delhi would be retained by the Congress Party and Khurana and Co. have little chance of coming to power, the cable industry had thought the central government would push ahead with CAS in Delhi.
In this regard, some cable operators and representatives of multi-system operators (MSOs) are slated to meet up with I&B ministry officials tomorrow.
However, the official pointed out that the government would have to notify again Delhi and be “pro-active” to push ahead with CAS. But with the opposition to CAS continuing in Mumbai too (Shiv Sena supremo Bal Thackeray and the Sena-backed cable operators are still against CAS), it is “unlikely
that the (CAS) fire would be lighted again after it has been extinguished effectively,” the official explained.
It is pertinent to mention here that the Delhi high court is yet to pronounce its verdict on a case filed by Zee Telefilms cable arm Siti Cable and a clutch of other parties against the government. The plea had been that after having goaded the cable industry into investing in infrastructure for a post-CAS regime, especially in set-top boxes, the government
backtracking in Delhi, and elsewhere, has resulted in financial loss to cable companies.
Meanwhile, the government admitted today that as per data furnished by the Customs department, two lakh STBs have come into the country.
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.
