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FM task force for news on private channels
NEW DELHI: The FM radio task force, which is likely to submit its recommendations on radio broadcast policy, has more or less arrived at a consensus that future policies need to be liberal, including allowing news and current affairs to be aired on private FM channels.
The task force, which includes representation from industry and government, has discussed in detail the issue of allowing foreign investment in private FM radio and, in all probability, would recommend investment norms at par with those prevalent in the print and electronic news media.
“The core issue at the heart of the task force’s deliberation is that everybody, including the private players, should be allowed to operate in the sector and in such a way that it makes business sense,” a task force member and legendary radio jockey (if one can use the modern lingo for him) Ameen Sayani told indiantelevision.com.
Though Sayani did not divulge the exact nature of the recommendations that are likely to be made, he admitted, “Recommendations per se are not enough, the government has to accept the suggestions and work on them to make them effective.”
At the moment, private FM radio channels are not allowed to broadcast any news and current affairs programming and are also barred from attracting any foreign investment, except FII portfolio investments as per the reserve bank of India guidelines.
Still, some government sources indicated that the task force, headed by Federation of Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Ficci) secretary-general Amit Mitra, has indicated to government officials that it favours a liberal policy regime that would help in giving a fillip to the growth of the industry.
“Allowing foreign investment in private FM radio ventures with riders and giving them some flexibility in programming where news and current affairs is concerned are some of the areas that the task force is likely to recommend,” a government official said, adding that it is also being debated whether the government should go in for revenue sharing with the players concerned instead of auctioning licences.
The task force’s contention, while making a case for news on private FM channels, would be that if All India Radio beefs up its content in this category, as is being envisaged by Prasar Bharati, then “news and current affairs programming on private FM radio channels may almost become redundant or less attractive from a commercial point of view.”
It may be pointed out here that mere recommendations would not solve the problems of the radio industry as the government has to accept the recommendations and implement them through changes in policy.
In the past it has been seen that high-powered committees had made various suggestions, including ways to improve fiunctioning of pubcasters Doordarshan and AIR, but the government had failed to act on the suggestions even as those reports gathered dust on various shelves in Shastri Bhavan in Delhi, which houses the I&B ministry.
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.
