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MIB bars BARC from releasing TV ratings data; TAM to continue process
MUMBAI: The newly launched television audience measurement Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC) India has been asked to stop releasing ratings by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (MIB) before the issues related to its registration is sorted. Meanwhile the rival auditor Television Audience Measurement (TAM) informed that it would continue releasing rating insights as per schedule.
A statement from TAM said, “For TAM Media Research, weekly TV Viewership data release to the industry will continue as normal. Pursuant to the interim order issued by the Hon’ble High Court of Delhi on 12 February, 2014, 1.7(a), 1.7(d), 16.1 & 16.2 of impugned guidelines have been stayed till the disposal of the Writ Petition 494/2014 (Kantar Matter).”
BARC released the first set of data on 29 April, 2015 and had scheduled the release of its weekly ratings every Wednesday. When queried as to whether BARC would release its ratings as per schedule despite notice from the MIB, BARC India CEO Partho Dasgupta told indiantelevision.com, “We are discussing the matter with MIB and are yet to take a call if we will release the data tomorrow.”
As per the guidelines, all TV rating agencies shall obtain MIB’s registration. In the case of BARC, which is an industry-led body, its registration process is yet to be completed and hence the release of ratings would set a wrong precedent, sources in the Ministry told PTI. In an earlier report by PTI, Dasgupta informed that the application for registration was filed in November 2014.
It can be noted that there are numerous stakeholders in BARC who have put in a huge sum of money to ensure that quality ratings are delivered.
It remains to be seen if BARC and the MIB succeed to come to a consensus and release the second set of data as per schedule on 6 May, 2015.
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.
