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Consumers may face wrath of cable industry
NEW DELHI: The consumers of cable television in Delhi may have to bear the wrath of the cable industry if indications are anything to go by in the form of increased monthly subscription and also forced to buy the set-top boxes.
Indicating that the cable fraternity would take the fight in the open onto the streets, Zee Telefilms vice chairman Jawahar Goel told indiantelevision.com, “We would have to sit down and decide what can be done and how to counter this political issue.”
According to Goel, one of the options before the cable fraternity is to increase the monthly subscription rates in a bid to convey to the consumers and the political establishment, that deferring conditional access system (CAS) in Delhi was not a wise decision.
“We, the cablewallahas, cannot continue to give service at such a cheap price to the consumers. Especially when the pay broadcasters are continuing to charge us money,” Goel said, pointing out that if CAS is to be deferred, then the consumer must pay for the service that comes at a subsidised rate to him at present.
The deferment of CAS in Delhi has put a question mark on its rollout in other metros too as the government would not be in a moral position to ask other cities to implement addressability when the capital city has been spared of it.
Goel said that the now that government has deserted it, the cable fraternity needs to unite and work together to switch over from an analogue system to a digital one. “If need be, we’d sell set-top boxes to the consumer or given him just the free to air channels,” he explained.
Isn’t the cable industry worried about a consumer backlash? At present no. Because Goel’s sentiments were echoed by the likes of National Cable & Telecom Association president Vickky Chowdhry, Cable Operators Federation of India chief Roop Sharma.
“Khurana should be taught a lesson and first of all the cable service to his residence should be snapped. Then he’ll realise our plight,” Chowdhry angrily said, adding that consumers would have to face the brunt of ire against Khurana.
“If they cannot implement it in Delhi, how will they insist on its rollout elsewhere? CAS is finished,” lamented a cable operator in Delhi.
What does the government have to say on these likely turn of events? A seemingly trapped information and broadcasting minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said, “We would talk to cable operators not to harass the consumers unnecessarily.”
But would an industry on the warpath — because of financial implication of the deferment too — listen to such platitudes from the government, which has earned the nickname of a `rollback government’ because of going back on policy decisions on many counts in various sectors?
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.
