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Commissioning guidelines for DD programmes released
Prasar Bharati has recently issued guidelines for commissioning programmes on national broadcaster Doordarshan.
The central Commissioning unit at the Delhi headquarters of DD will tabulate annual budget requirements and forward it to to the finance wing, which will then decide budgets for various DD channels and centres.
Programmes will be commissioned to supplement in-house production efforts for the sole purpose of bringing variety into programming.
Certain genres may be excluded for commissioning, as they would be available in the sponsored category. These include soaps, sitcoms and mythologicals.
The guidelines state that DD will assess its requirements for the next year in the last quarter of the current financial year and accordingly prepare its list.
And as part of its effort to promote fresh talent, graduates from television and film institutes recognised by the University Grants Commission will be permitted to make programmes on DD, according to the new guidelines.
Doordarshan told to assess commissioned programme requirements in advance.
Doordarshan (DD) will from now on be required to assess its requirements of commissioned programmes in the last quarter of the financial year for the ensuing year, according to the Prasar Bharati guidelines for commissioning of programmes which were issued here on Tuesday.
Based on the list of such commissioned programmes, the Central Commissioning Unit (CCU) will consolidate the annual budget requirements and forward it to the finance wing. Subsequently, the finance wing will earmark the available budget to different channels and kendras.
Significantly, the guidelines state that certain genres may be excluded for commissioning, as they would be available in the sponsored category. These genres include daily soaps, sit-coms, mythological, mega-serials etc. Also, the guidelines say that the budget allocated for commissioning will be utilised by inviting eminent producers and directors including award winning producers and directors. Part of the commissioning budget will be identified and allocated for the promotion of new talent, for assigning programmes to young graduates from various film/TV institutes.
The proposals have to be assessed by the evaluation committee. If necessary, the producer may have to present his/her concept before this committee, according to the guidelines. The proposals short-listed by the evaluation committee shall be put up to a costing committee for critical evaluation of the budget requirements of the proposal. The decision taken by the costing committee shall be final and its decision will be communicated to the producer within five working days of the meeting.
The guidelines have taken into account the new media too. ”All rights including new media and any rights that may be available in future will rest with Doordarshan,” the guidelines state.
For guideline details click here
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.
