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Improper implentation of CAS to hit Indian TV producers
MUMBAI: While SARS is leading to a cancellation of trade gatherings in Singapore, in India the TV production community and Bollywood are going to be hit by CAS. Reason: leading general entertainment and pay TV broadcasters, led by Star TV have communicated to their TV production and film distribution partners that they have to prepare for a scenario wherein their proudction budgets will be slashed by half after 15 July, the government deadline for the implementation of conditional access in the four metros of Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai and Kolkata. That is if CAS is not implemented properly and the channels are blacked out in a large section of the six million TV homes in the metros.
The Indian Broadcasting Foundation has been putting forth its viewpoint to the CAS task force and the information and broadcasting ministry that it would be better if CAS is implemented in a planned manner, taking a city – instead of four as earlier envisaged – at a time. And a neighbourhood at a time in each city. The I&B ministry has been insisting that the rollout should be in four cities as has been mandated earlier by the CAS amendment.
“It’s better if the rollout is done in a systematic manner,” says a senior broadcast executive. “At this moment we are running short on time. It’s quite possible that cable operators may not be able to provide enough boxes to their subscribers. If that proves a reality then the reach of our channels will drop in these four important television ratings cities. It’s quite likely then that advertisers may ask for a drop in ad rates. At lower air time rates we definitely will not be able to support the budget agreements that we have signed with TV proudcers. We have therefore decided to inform our production partners much in advance that if CAS is not implemented right, we will be cutting their budgets. We don’t want any litigation on account of this after 14 July. “
Apparently, the broadcasters have also explained to Bollywood’s producers and distributors that film acquisition deals are going to less lucrative in a poorly implemented CAS environment. “Rs 5 crore as rights to telecast a movie are going to be a thing of the past in a poor CAS enviroment. The deals could be as low as 10 per cent of what used to be paid earlier,” says the executive.
Now, unless a resolution to the CAS issue is found, and quickly, the TV production community and Bollywood’s producers could also be well end up hurting where it hurts the most: their pockets.
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.
