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Need for outcome analysis on utility of Kisan Channel: Parl Committee
NEW DELHI: A proper outcome analysis on the grassroots impact of the Kisan Channel be conducted, in order to determine how the content of the Channel is actually benefitting farmers, a Parliamentary Committee has said.
While fully supporting the initiative of the Kisan Channel, the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Information Technology which also examines issues relating to Information and Broadcasting Ministry said that since the allocation under the Scheme has increased during 2017-18 from Rs 600 million to Rs 800 million, the Committee would like to be apprised of the new achievements of the Ministry under the Scheme.
The Scheme of Kisan Channel was approved in the year 2014-15, with an initial allocation of Rs One Billion – Rs 900 million for Doordarshan and Rs 100 million for All India Radio.
The Committee noted that the major assets created at Central Production Centre, Delhi for Kisan channel during 2016-17 were Multichannel Automated Playback facility and Multi Camera Studio Production facility in HDTV format; Collaborative Non-Linear Post Production facility in HDTV format; and XDCAM Camcorders, Recorders/ Decks, NLE, Camera support system, Zoom Lens.
The Ministry has set the target of creating major assets under the Scheme during 2017-18 which are: Earth station at CPC, Delhi; and Field production equipment at 18 Regional Kendras. A Multi Camera Studio Production facility in HDTV format at CPC Delhi has also been ordered.
During the year 2016-2017 new initiatives were also undertaken to improve quality and make more field-based, interactive and interesting programmes. Evaluation of existing programs is also being carried out. A content preview committee has been put in place. A system of regular review of programme has also been put in place so that further improvement can be made.
Programmes are now being made in all the States in the Hindi belt, including Punjab, Gujarat, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, etc. so as to make the channel more inclusive.
The Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC) is providing real time TRP rating of each programme telecast on Kisan Channel to assess feedback of programme.
Noting that the Ministry is putting earnest efforts to make Kisan Channel a priority among rural farmer community, the Committee noted that for the year 2016-17 only Rs 390 million as on 31 January 2017 had been spent out of Rs 600 million allocated for the Scheme under Budget estimates and revised estimates 2016-17.
Taking note of the submission of the Ministry that they will be able to utilize the entire amount, the Committee wanted to be apprised of the actual expenditure incurred under the Scheme during 2016-17.
The Committee stressed that the Ministry should expand the outreach of Kisan Channel beyond Hindi belt states to cover Southern and North-Eastern states as well.
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.
