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Delhi cable ops charge vested interests at work against CAS
NEW DELHI: Stung by various politicians coming out against CAS, it is the turn of the cable operators to issue warnings.
Reacting to Delhi chief minister Sheila Dikshit rushing off a missive to information and broadcasting minister Ravi Shankar Prasad asking the CAS implementation date be reviewed as it was an anti-consumer move, the NCTA has also alleged that the Congress party that rules in Delhi has a political agenda.
“All this seems to be another effort by the Congress party to play at the hands of the powerful pay channel broadcasters lobby and sacrifice the interest of the Indian consumers,” a statement from NCTA states.
But in poor taste is the threat given to the consumer in whose name the whole battle of CAS is being fought. “Pay by the 7th of each month, failing which connection will be disconnected (and) reconnection charges would be Rs. 100,” a National Cable & Telecom Asoociation release warns the cable consumers of Delhi.
The release, which takes on the Delhi government for its reported stand on CAS, goes on to add that the Entertainment Tax as levied by the state government on the Cable TV subscribers was doubled by this very same Congress Government in Delhi without keeping in mind any consideration for the middle class and the lower middle class section of the society.
“The same when the Cable Service Provider started to collect from their customers money, it is termed as an arbitrary increase in subscription. Unaware and innocent of the functioning of the cable industry our Hon’ble Chief Minister still wants the deferment in the implementation of CAS,” the NCTA statement, quoted its preisdent Vickky Chowdhry, as saying.
However, the release has a threatening note that directs consumers that if then monthly payments are not made within a specified date, the cable service would be discontinued.
In a related development, the Cable Operators’ federation of India has today written to the PM saying that a “section of the media and politicians with vested interest” are politicising the government’s policy on CAS.
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.
