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Inter-ministerial committee to monitor violation of programme code
NEW DELHI: The government has set up an inter-ministerial committee to look into the violations of the Programme and Advertising Code by TV channels in the wake of criticism that crime shows telecast on the idiot box may have bad effect on some viewers.
This panel on receipt of complaints or suo-moto takes action against TV channels which are violating the code, information and broadcasting minister Jaipal Reddy informed Rajya Sabha (Upper House) today.
However, he added that no analysis has been made by the government about the impact on society of crime shows telecast by several major TV channels.
All programmes and advertisements of all TV channels transmitted/ retransmitted through the cable network are required to adhere to the Programme and Advertising Code prescribed under the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995.
Earlier this year, the government has served a show-cause notice on India TV and some other channels for airing sex scandals.
Prasar Bharati’s Restructuring: Reddy also informed the Rajya Sabha that a committee has been set up for suggesting viable capital and financial (re) structuring of Prasar Bharati to strengthen its functioning.
The committee was asked to submit its report within a period of three months from the date of its constitution, but now the term has been extended to 30 September, 2005, the minister said.
The committee, comprising government and Prasar Bharati officials, shall take into account the role of Prasar Bharati as a public service broadcaster and the need to maximize its revenue-earning potential through commercial operations.
The 10-member committee is headed by secretary of the information and broadcasting ministry.
Uplink Permissions Granted: The government has so far permitted 58 companies to uplink 161 private TV channels from India.
Seventeen companies have been allowed to uplink 68 TV channels having varying degrees of foreign equity. The remaining 41 companies permitted to uplink 93 TV channels are wholly Indian companies, Reddy informed fellow parliamentarians.
However,, he said that the ministry does not maintain records of channels uplinked from outside India that are available to viewers in India. But the government is contemplating setting up of an autonomous body to regulate the content on television 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.
