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Consumer adoption level at 25-30%
MUMBAI: JP Morgan believes that the level of adoption by the consumers would be around 25-30 per cent by the end of the year.
The JP Morgan report offers a perspective from the consumer point of view:
Currently, the subscriber pays anything between Rs 100 and Rs 350 per month for his cable TV subscription. For that amount, he gets 80-100 channels. In the post CAS regime, the price of the channels (or bouquets) is likely to come down. However, the extent of the reduction in price will be linked to subscription levels.
The payment for the channels is likely to come down. However, the financing charges and the additional service tax of 3 per cent will have to be borne by the customer. The consumer will end up spending Rs 293 under current levels and Rs 366 (post CAS with a 10 per cent drop in bouquet rates and coupled with STB financing monthly payments); Rs 357 (with a 15 per cent drop in the bouquet prices); Rs 348 (with a 20 per cent drop) and Rs 248 (with a 50 per cent drop).
Overall, from the customer’s perspective the outgo is likely to increase. A different perspective can be that the subscriber might subscribe to two of the three mainstream bouquets in which his payment remains the same as now. However, the number of channels watched comes down in that scenario.
Percentage of subscribers who will take up CAS
This is the million-dollar question. Industry expectations vary from 10 per cent to 70 per cent. The main determinants of the decision for the subscriber are:
o The price of the STB, i.e., the decision on their duties by the government and the subsidies offered by MSOs, if any.
o The FTA bouquet pricing as determined by the task force and its approval by the government.
o The pricing of the bouquets.
Given the level of uncertainty, this is a difficult question to answer. The level would be around 25-30 per cent by the end of the year.
One might see a greater subscription of STBs going forward, as channel prices and STB prices reduce. Additionally, it must be noted that a significant proportion of the metro subscribers will likely have multiple television in their homes, for which they take only one cable connection. The emergence of STB-based pay channel may thus lead to higher declaration than expected.
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.
