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TRAI extends deadline to 31 Jan for migration to new tariff regime
MUMBAI: Stakeholders of India’s broadcast sector can now breathe a sigh of relief as the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has extended the date of customer migration to the new tariff regime by a month to 31 January 2019.
With 28 December, the initial deadline for the tariff order implementation neared, the DPOs in particular were highly concerned how the transition would pan out.
Thanks to the decision, now DPOs can seek options from consumers till 31 January. Customers will be migrated as per their choice from 1 February.
"We had a meeting of broadcasters, DTH operators, and MSOs today [Thursday]. Everyone confirmed their readiness to implement new regulations. However, they requested that some more time may be given to seek options from subscribers for smooth and interruption free migrations," TRAI secretary Sunil K Gupta was quoted as saying by a PTI report.
The regulatory body may consider holding weekly review meetings with industry representatives to monitor the progress of the transition of TV viewers, a Hindu Business Line report stated. The report also added that the DPOs are likely to be asked to submit weekly reports on the number of subscribers who have migrated to the new subscription plans in accordance with the new tariff order.
“It is definitely a step forward from the original plan. Once the bouquet prices are declared by DPOs, only then consumers can migrate to the new plan. These are all interlinked – broadcaster prices have come based on which the DPOs have to declare their prices, they need time for that. Once they (DPOs) declare, consumers need time for selecting a plan. So there needs to be a logical gap between the declaration of prices by broadcasters and then a gap for the DPOs to declare their prices and then time for consumers to choose also,” KCCL CEO Shaji Mathews told Indiantelevision.com
Earlier this week, TRAI also squashed all rumours about a channel blackout on 29 December. TRAI asserted that it advised all broadcasters, DPOs and LCOs to ensure there is no disruption of TV services. TRAI also added then that it was working on a detailed migration plan for all subscribers.
“It will help consumers and DPOs as well as broadcasters. This is not only required for DPOs, if there’s no time consumers will not choose new packages or channels which means there will be a blackout of channels and then broadcasters will suffer as DPOs will not be able to collect money. This is a step towards avoiding a blackout,” he added.
The new tariff order will give the power of choice to the hand of consumers. While until now consumers only watch the channels offered by DPOs, the new order allows them to select their desired TV channels and pay accordingly. Currently, all the broadcasters have updated their channel and package pricing.
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.
