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Parliamentary Committee regrets 17 years’ delay in transferring land resources to Prasar Bharati
NEW DELHI: A Parliamentary Committee has said that it finds it “very hard to believe that even after a lapse of 17 years, the Centre has not formulated the terms and conditions of transfer” of certain property and assets to Prasar Bharati help the pubcaster monetize these.
Since Prasar Bharati needs funds, and monetization of land can provide the much needed revenue, the Parliamentary Standing Committee for Information Technology, which also examines Information and Broadcasting, has suggested that “while complete inventorisation is undertaken, simultaneous efforts may be made to unlock the value of a few select identified properties as a ‘pilot case.’”
The Committee had been given to understand that Prasar Bharati had submitted certain proposals to the Ministry for monetization of available land resources for garnering revenue, which could be effectively utilized by them for development purposes.
However, these proposals are yet to be approved by the Ministry pending fulfillment of procedural formalities required under provisions of the Prasar Bharati Act 1990.
Under Section 16 of the Prasar Bharati Act, all property and assets shall stand transferred to (Prasar Bharati) on such terms and conditions as may be determined by the Central Government and the book value of all such property and assets shall be treated as the capital provided by the Central Government to the Corporation, on the terms and conditions to be determined by the Central Government.
Noting that the Cabinet approved the proposal for financial restructuring of Prasar Bharati in September 2012, the Committee has expressed surprise that no action has been taken as yet.
According to the Ministry, the Cabinet decision/approval has to be effected on issue of formal transfer order spelling out the terms and conditions after completion of inventorisation of all assets under them.
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.
