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Govt. monitoring CAS progress: Prasad
NEW DELHI: In a written reply in the country’s Lower House of Parliament (Lok Sabha) today Prasad said that officers of the I&B ministry had visited the metros of Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Chennai to assess the preparedness for conditional access system (CAS) and have, inter-alia, observed that the demand of set-top box (STB) at first stage would be met by imports.
Procurement of STBs is in progress, while training is being imparted to local cable operators for a post-CAS regime. The minister said that the domestic industry has not yet geared itself to meet the demand.
Some multi-system operators (MSOs) have already offered attractive introductory schemes of making available of STBs on Installments/hire-purchase/rental basis and have declared that they would be able to show approximately 60 free-to-air channels within the maximum price of Rs. 72 (plus taxes), Prasad added basing his observations on the feedback from his officials.
Replying to a question by Prakash V. Patil on CAS, the minister said that it has been decided to implement addressability in a phased zone-wise manner in the three metros of Delhi, Kolkata and Mumbai and at one go in Chennai from 1 September.
The intervening period is being used to step up the preparedness, educate the consumers and closely monitor the procurement and availability of the STBs. An Implementation Committee under the chairmanship of additional secretary in the I&B ministry has also been constituted with representations from broadcasters, MSOs, cable operators amongst others.
This panel will closely monitor all things related to CAS, the minister said, adding the ministry has also launched a multi-media publicity campaign through advertisements in all the leading dailies of the country and TV channels.
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.
