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IBF to discuss service tax issue this week
NEW DELHI: The issue of service tax is once again rearing its head and the broadcasters feel that a tough line needs to be taken. The contentious, but unresolved issue, which has been dogging the media and advertising industry since 2002, would be discussed by the Indian Broadcasters’ Foundation (IBF) at a board meeting slated to be held later this week.
According to sources in the broadcasting industry, if all the members of the IBF agree, then it is likely to be decided that those clients who are not including the eight per cent service tax in the release order would not be entertained and their ads would not be aired.
It is also being contemplated that a provision for a separate entry for service tax be made on any business transaction paper that would enable broadcasters to collect the service tax from clients and forward it to the authorities concerned.
However, taking such a tough stance would need a lot of willpower on the broadcast industry’s part as such “experiments” tried out earlier had fizzled out no sooner had they been kicked off.
In September 2002, some top channels, including Star, Sony and Zee TV, had stopped airing ads of Hindustan Lever products as well as Colgate from the first of the month. Reason: these are the two biggest advertisers who were still not adding the then five per cent service tax (imposed by the government) in the final ad release order.
But even at that time, not all broadcasters blacked out ads of “truant” companies. Looking at the present case scenario, Prasar Bharati, for example, is still undecided on what course of action to take where defaulters are concerned, This is in spite of having sent out a letter to all advertisers to this effect last week. Prasar Bharati has recently said that those advertisers who book bulk time on DD News would be exempt from service tax.
Harking back to the situation in 2002, the boycott did not continue for long and soon most advertisers were back on TV channels. The pressures of revenue losses took their toll. Taking the case of HLL, its annual TV ad spend in 2002 was streets ahead of any other advertiser at Rs 1.5 billion. On Star alone that worked out to Rs 2 million every day then.
Can the broadcasters bite the service tax bullet in 2004?
Keep tuned in for more details later this week.
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.
