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CAS: government may tighten the screws
NEW DELHI: India’s information and broadcasting (I&B) ministry, which is expected to make some further amendments notifying rules regarding unbundling of pay channels in a post-CAS regime, is also toying with the idea of framing rules that will prevent broadcasters from pricing one or few popular pay channels in a bouquet at a very high cost.
The reason being given is that such a move would defeat much benefit accruing to cable consumers.
Pointing out that continued bundling of pay channels would defeat the whole purpose of conditional access or addressability, a senior government official told indiantelevision.com today: “The government cannot allow that the sum total of the price of all pay channels in a bouquet is much high than the existing price.”
However, the official added that the percentage of the increase in the price, if any, has not yet been quantified, though some work on it is on.
What does this mean? This means that if a certain bouquet at present charges Rs 50 per month for five channels, then in the post-CAS regime it cannot have the driver channel in the bouquet priced at Rs 40, while the individual prices of the remaining channels total up to Rs 55 per month.
What the ministry has not been able to decide is up to what percentage of difference in the price be allowed if an instance like that mentioned above is taken into account.
However, the official added: “The I&B ministry is seized of the matter and would take steps that would prevent bundling of channels as also pricing a popular channel at a high cost.”
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.
