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DD to set new terms to attract TV producers to buy time slots
NEW DELHI: After two failed attempts to attract good software producers to bid for slots in its prime time, Doordarshan has thrown the ball back in the court of Prasar Bharati.
A senior DD official told indiantelevision.com that a meeting of the Prasar Bharati Board had been convened on 17 October to discuss the issue, and he agreed that this may mean a further relaxation in the eligibility norms.
The pubcaster had attracted seven producers in the first attempt in June, and just three in the second attempt on 5 September despite relaxed norms. However, none of the bidders was able to meet all the criteria set by Doordarshan.
In the criteria at present, producers/production houses who have produced at least 200 hours of general entertainment programming including feature film in any Indian language in the last three years were eligible to apply.
Following a revision of terms, the Prasar Bharati Board had said in early August that production houses with a turnover of minimum Rs 3 crore per annum in the field of TV and film production in the last three financial years were eligible. The earnest money deposit was Rs 500,000 for each weekday slot. Bidders could apply for one or more slots. For those applying for three slots, the earnest money was Rs 15 lakh (Rs 1.5 million).
Applicants for weekend slots in the genres of reality, game, quiz, should have produced 100 hours of such content in the last three years, it had been stated.
When the scheme was announced in June, only those with production in television and a minimum of 300 hours had been allowed. But, this was changed to include film production houses and 200 hours of entertainment programming.
After the meeting of the board and finalization of its new norms, the official said DD will float a new Request For Proposal (RFP) document with several flexible eligibility conditions to invite fresh and good quality content on its DD National as a pilot.
Successful bidder(s) will produce fresh programmes in various genres of general entertainment programme for Doordarshan adhering to the programming/broadcasting codes of Prasar Bharati.
Also Read: E-auction for DD National Prime Time slots set for next month
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.
