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NBP draft ready for consultation with Prasar Bharati CEO
KOLKATA: A fresh broadcasting policy in India, that’s up to speed on the dynamic industry developments, has been on the cards for a long time now. Last month, the ministry of information and broadcasting (MIB) intimated that work on the National Broadcast Policy (NBP) was in full swing. Now, the draft NBP is ready to be shared with Prasar Bharati CEO Shashi Shekhar Vempati for further consultation.
The draft is also ready for consultation with scientific ministries like the department of telecommunication, ministry of electronics and information technology, ministry of science and technology on the lines of the utilisation of spectrum, emerging technologies, trends in the broadcasting sector, increasing outreach of TV and radio households, fall-back arrangement for broadcasting during emergencies like disasters and wars.
According to the draft accessed by Indiantelevision.com, the policy is guided by the vision of a “functional, vibrant, resilient broadcasting sector in the country.” To keep with the vision, it provides “specific goals, strategies and policy stipulations.” Broader goals as described in the draft include the universal reach of broadcasting, enabling environment for sectoral growth and level playing field, as well as enhanced global outreach.
Back in December, MIB additional secretary Neerja Sekhar said that the ministry would soon come up with a draft for the much-discussed policy. “Though the consultations on the National Broadcasting Policy were held with the stakeholders and industry some time back, we have been putting together various parts… and (addressing) the emerging issues. I feel that we are getting pretty close to coming up with a draft version,” she had said.
It was in 2019 that the MIB initiated talks with members of the Indian broadcasting and media industry about formulating a National Broadcast Policy. Although no timeframe was given, the ministry had said that the aim of the policy would be to address issues that are challenging the sector, with the aim of promoting more self-regulation.
At present, the broadcast industry is regulated by the Cable TV Act, which many stakeholders consider outdated and inadequate to govern the newer challenges in this rapidly growing sector.
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.
