News Headline
Broadcast regulator may have limited powers
NEW DELHI: The Bill relating to the proposed Broadcast Content Regulatory Authority of India may not be taken up by policy-makers during the present winter session of Parliament, but the information and broadcasting ministry is working on a draft that is likely to be ready by the Budget session in February 2004.
The broadcast regulator, which was earlier part of the Convergence Communication Bill that has been junked by the government for all practical purposes, would come into existence through a separate Act of Parliament. This was stated by a senior government official today.
Pointing out that various broadcast-related issues (like CAS, DTH, HITS) are “creeping” on the government, justifying formation of a separate broadcast regulator, the government official today told few journalists, “We are looking into various suggestions, including those furnished by Ficci (Federation of Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry), to see how in the interim a regulatory mechanism can be set up.”
The proposed regulator would look into matters like licencing, equity structuring (in areas where caps have been outlined) and content on TV.
But, more significantly, the regulator would not have the “final say” on issues with the ultimate authority resting with the government, the official said, adding, “especially in areas like shareholding patterns of a company and licencing, the government would like to have the last say.”
If this is the structure that the government is looking while setting up a broadcast regulatory authority, it seems that the proposed regulator would be more of a toothless tiger, something on the lines of the Press Council of India, which monitors the print medium.
The official also made it clear that the need for a regulator is felt more in recent times as neither the information and broadcasting ministry nor any other part of the government has the time or the logistics for such activities. “There is certainly a demand building up (for a broadcast regulator),” the official added.
The proposed regulatory authority is likely to a chairman and 10 members on the board. Out of the 10, five are likely to be part-time and one would be member secretary (ex-officio). The last one is expected to be a government representative in the proposed regulatory body.
Meanwhile, the consultative committee of parliamentarians attached to the I&B ministry is slated to meet here tomorrow. Agenda: content on television. The issue has been in the news for the last 10 days after I&B minister Ravi Shankar Prasad recently said that the government would like all TV channels, barring news channels, to show programmes that are certified, or can be certified, ‘U’ (fit for people below 18 years of age).
On Monday, Prasad beat a hasty retreat saying that he “respects” celluloid creativity and that the government does not propose to do anything extra that is already not there in various Acts and rules and regulations.
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.
