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DTT could be thrown open for pvt sector companies
NEW DELHI: The Indian government is exploring possibilities of throwing open the digital terrestrial transmission or DTT services for private sector participation.
Broadcast carriage and telecoms regulator TRAI is poised to start a public consultation in this regard soon.
Presently, terrestrial transmission, analogue or digital, is a monopoly game with India’s pubcaster Doordarshan being the only player.
A senior level source in Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (MIB) admitted that in near future DTT could see involvement of private sector companies as seen in the area of cable and satellite broadcasting.
The MIB source also pointed out that in this connection TRAI has already been consulted and the regulator is in the process of fine-tuning a background paper on DTT that will form part of the consultation with industry stakeholders.
Some of the issues that could be put up for discussion include whether it’s correct in this age of fast-evolving technology to keep DTT a playing arena for only DD; whether DTT services with private sector involvement would be in an encrypted or unencrypted form and technologies to be used.
Quite a few Asian countries like Hong Kong, Thailand and Singapore — considered more sophisticated media markets in terms of ARPUs in comparison to India — have private sector companies providing DTT services.
According to ViaSat magazine, telco PCCW, for example, in Hong Kong recently announced launch of a new set-top box (STB) that will be an all-in-one, 4K-ready device providing IPTV, DTT and over-the-top (OTT) services to subscribers.
However, it must be remembered that even if TRAI comes out with a consultation paper on DTT and finally recommends that private sector companies be allowed to provide DTT services, along with DD, the final say on the matter would be with MIB.
In an earlier story Indiantelevision.com had reported that DD, one of the largest broadcasting organisations in the world in terms of the studios and transmitters, has commenced DTT services in 16 cities.
DD move to also replace its analogue transmitters with digital transmitters will allow up to 8 channels to be carried from a single transmitter.
Interestingly, while listing the many advantages of DTT services, Doordarshan on its website points out that “DTT secures greater plurality in Platform ownership, ensuring that no single platform owner is so powerful that they can exert undue influence on public opinion or political agendas.”
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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.
