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CODA aspires to take control of all LMO-MSO issues
MUMBAI: The last mile operators in Mumbai have decided to make sure that they get their pound of flesh from the broadcasters and the multi-system operators (MSOs). These cable operators plan to make the CODA (Cable Operators and Distributors Association) the single, most powerful association of cable operators in the country. Backing them will be the might of the political party and BJP-alliance partner Shiv Sena.
While speaking to the indiantelevision.com team, CODA president and Shiv Sena Vibhag Pramukh Anil Parab confirms: “Mumbai’s cable fraternity is united under the CODA banner. Other associations in Delhi, Kolkata and Chennai are also in talks with us.”
Refuting allegations that the CODA is against any one MSO in particular, Parab adds: “We are not targeting any MSO in particular – all of them are in the same bracket as far as we are concerned. If they don’t look after our interests, CODA will react. CODA might have its own infrastructure in place. Financers are ready to fund us – some have already approached us but we are yet to take a decision. Even if it happens, a separate CODA division will be formed and will comprise professionals from the industry.”
Parab also adds that future cable TV rate hikes will have to be routed through the CODA in the near future. “But, we shall not allow rate hikes because they affect cable operator-consumer relationships; lead to quarrels.”
The CODA will also take up other issues such as the oft-repeated issue of giving an industry status to the last mile operators – who find it difficult to get loans from banks and financial institutions. “I have spoken to the officials of the prime minister’s office and the finance ministry officials about according an industry status to the cable and satellite industry. This will be a part of the new initiatives that CODA will plan,” Parab adds.
Talking about the issue of control of the cable distribution system, Parab offers: “There has to be stricter controls over unwanted and unnecessary propagation – for instance CODA has opposed airing Pakistan’s PTV. Similarly, we shall strive to retain the power (at amongst the cable operators) to blank out harmful foreign propaganda that could be aired on news channels promoted by foreigners. Also, there is a need to reiterate and re-emphasise Indianness and Indian values.”
When asked about the future course of action, Parab says: “The ball is in the government’s court. All we have seen are half-hearted attempts by the ministry. The government has to forcefully make its stand clear. But, it shouldn’t discriminate between the local cable operators and the foreign channels by having two separate rules/yardsticks for both,” emphasises Parab.
Well, CAS is on from 1 September in Mumbai but only on paper. In fact, a leading afternoon tabloid paper carried a cartoon that showed Sena’s working president Uddhav Thackeray carrying set top boxes (instead of Ganesha idols) to immerse them in the sea. Today, incidentally, is the last day of Ganesh Chathurti and thousands of Ganesha idols will be immersed in the sea.
As they say, tomorrow – as the latest CAS extension given to Mumbai cable operators comes to end – is another day!
Also read:
CODA will become the single, most powerful national association of cable operators in the country: Anil Parab
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.
