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IBF demands ‘infrastructure status’ for broadcast and content distribution sector
MUMBAI: Finance Minister Arun Jaitley invited various stakeholders for pre-Budget consultations in New Delhi last Saturday (26 November). Speaking to the media Indian Broadcasting Foundation (IBF) president Punit Goenka said: “I am happy to learn that IBF had good discussions with the finance minister and other key officials on some of the key issues related to Broadcasting Sector – both from policy and tax perspective. Grant of Infrastructure Status for broadcasting and content distribution sector was one of our key demands during the discussions. Once infrastructure status is granted, broadcasters and distribution platforms will be aided with better and affordable financing options in the very capital intensive growth phase to realise the mission of complete digitisation in the country”.
During the pre-Budget discussions, IBF secretary general Girish Srivastava said that, “The broadcasting and content distribution infrastructure like telecom, is important infrastructure for the country. Besides delivering digital television signals, it can be effectively used to deliver broadband services and thereby effectively contributing to the e-Governance initiative of the Government. Once the addressability is introduced by way of digitalisation, broadcast services are likely to contribute substantial revenue in the form of GST and other taxes to the State exchequer because of the transparency associated with the digital content distribution services.”
On the tax front, key concerns raised were related to extending the benefit of the carry forward of losses in case of amalgamation or merger for Broadcasting sector under section 72A as is being extended to Telecom, Software and ISP services, taxability in the hands of shareholders in case of amalgamation of a foreign company holding shares in Indian company into another foreign company, provision of lowering the outer limit in processing of returns, reduction in MAT rate, resolving the long standing issue of tax withholding on transponder hire charges treating them as Royalty because of retrospective amendment in Income Tax vis-à-vis DTAA which is causing a huge unnecessary annual burden of US$ 20 – $ 22 million on Broadcasting, DTH & HITS services etc.
“Once our key demands raised on tax and regulatory front such as grant of infrastructure status, 72 A benefit, MAT rationalization, Transponder Royalty, TDS rationalization etc pertaining to both policy and procedural aspects are addressed by the Government, it would be a good example in the direction of ease of doing business in country” said ZEE Network president A Mohan.
Mohan added further: “Television has become an integral part of everyone’s life and has attained a status akin to “essential services” as it is an important tool for dissemination of information and entertainment to masses. Accordingly Broadcasting and Distribution services should be subjected to a lower rate under GST regime as is applicable to essential services, to make them affordable to masses.”
On the issue of taxability in the hands of shareholders in case of amalgamation of a foreign company holding shares in Indian company into another foreign company, Star India CFO Sanjay Jain mentioned that, “The Government should issue an amendment to the provisions to the Act to specify that similar exemption is available to shareholders as well on a high priority. The purpose of allowing merger of foreign companies would be defeated without extending similar exemption in the hands of shareholders of amalgamating company.”
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.
