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Govt mulls setting up C&S TV regulator
NEW DELHI: The Indian government is studying whether a regulatory body for the broadcasting and cable sector can be put together ahead of a super-regulator for the convergence era, as envisaged in the Communications Convergence Bill 2001 (CCB), which is still awaiting an okay from Parliament.
“A regulatory authority can be formed outside the ambit of the Convergence Bill, though no firm opinion has been formed on the issue yet,” a senior government official said today.
Though the government official gave no time-frame for setting up a regulatory body, the need for which is been increasingly impressed upon by many in the light of introduction of addressability in Indian cable homes from 1 September, he did admit that some sort of a draft has been prepared on it in the information and broadcasting ministry. The cry for a regulatory body is also echoing in Parliament with a question on it slated to be answered by I&B minister Ravi Shankar Prasad tomorrow in the Lower House of the Indian Parliament (Lok Sabha) when media-related issues are discussed by policy makers there.
However, replying to a question on the same issue in the Upper House of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) earlier this week, Prasad had maintained that the government is looking into the issue of a regulatory body, but has no time frame for its formation.
The minister had gone on to add that the CCB actually addresses the issue of a regulatory authority for the sectors of IT, telecom and broadcasting, but the Bill was pending Parliament’s okay as a parliamentary panel, mandated to examine various aspects, had suggested last year over 70 changes in the Bill.
CCB aims at enacting into law a set-up for the convergence era and if the Indian government okays such a law, it would only be the second country after Malaysia in the world to do so.
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.
