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IBF issues ultimatum to advertisers on service tax
MUMBAI:After discussions with a few “big advertisers” that seem to be going on and on with no resolution in sight, the Indian Broadcasting Foundation (IBF) is attempting to grab the bull by the horns. Some 10 days ago, the IBF issued letters to advertisers through the Advertising Agencies Association of India (AAAI) and Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) that from 1 September, no ads will be accepted for TV channels unless a service tax is also included in the final bill.
This is being done by broadcasters to neutralise the 5 per cent service tax that they have to pay as per announcements made by former finance minister Yashwant Sinha in his Budget speech.
The issue of payment of service tax has been the cause of a major rift among the advertising community and broadcasters with the ball being passed back and forth between the two sides.
The broadcasting industry’s consistent stand has been that the service tax, being indirect in nature, would have to be borne by the end-user, namely the advertiser. In contrast, the advertising community’s argument has been that the extra burden would add to its costs and have an adverse impact on total advertisement spend by the industry.
According to an industry source, however, 90 per cent of the clients are already paying the tax. It is only a few of the really big advertisers – the likes of Hindustan Levers, Pepsi, Coke, etc. – who are still continuing to dispute it. The letter issued by the IBF states that from 1 September onwards, broadcasters will not accept any business unless the tax is included in the release order (RO).
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.
