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No anomaly in DD news correspondents’ designations, says Irani
NEW DELHI: The Government has said that there is no anomaly in the designations of news correspondents in Doordarshan. Information and broadcasting minister Smriti Zubin Irani has told the Parliament that the recruitment rules of 24 March 2014 had said that the posts in the TV news correspondents cadre are designated as TV news correspondent (TVNC), special news correspondent, and principal correspondent.
The process of framing of the Rules for the posts of TV news correspondent (TVNC), TV assistant news correspondent (TVANC) & TV assistant news editor (TVANE) was initiated in 1997 but due to various procedural requirements/inter-ministerial consultation/approvals involved, could be processed and finalized only after creation of posts in promotional hierarchy in TVNC cadre on 27 August 2010.
Finally after all inter-ministerial consultations/approvals and the creation of three posts in promotional hierarchy in TV News Correspondent (TVNC), the Recruitment Rules for these employees have been notified on 24 March, 2014, which, inter-alia, provide for promotion to the higher grades.
Promotion of officers in each cadre is governed by their Recruitment Rules providing eligibility conditions for promotion and designation. Accordingly, the designations of officers change consequent upon such promotion.
In reply to another question, the minister of state Rajyavardhan Rathore said officials and news professionals from various categories are nominated for conferences and training programmes depending on the nature of such events and suitability/availability of such personnel. These nominations in reference to training and conference are made with the approval of the competent authority, depending on the nature of event and based on the recommendation of Doordarshan News.
Staff from various categories, including TVNCs/TVANCs is sent abroad for VVIP/ Coverages as per suitability/ availability of personnel and requirement of organization.
Suitability and competence as assessed by Competent Authority in Doordarshan News and approved in Prasar Bharati Secretariat is the criteria of selection of persons for a particular task.
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.
