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Parliamentary panel favours deferment of CAS deadline
NEW DELHI: Even as the Indian government was initiating steps to see that the rollout of conditional access system (CAS) becomes as least bumpy as possible, a parliamentary committee was discussing the issue with several parliamentarians resisting such a move with a few also in favour of a deferment.
The standing committee on IT, communications and convergence, which met here today as part of a two-day schedule under the chairmanship of CPM’s Somnath Chatterjee, witnessed members, cutting across party lines, raising doubts and reservations over the implementation of CAS from 15 July.
The Congress and the Left parties (that had opposed the changes being sought in the relevant Act in the Upper House of Parliament too) were of the opinion that CAS rollout be deferred and asked the government not to be “hasty” in CAS rollout.
According to government sources, the Bharatiya Janata Party (that leads the coalition government in India) MPs on the parliamentary committee too expressed apprehensions about the consumer response to CAS in the metros.
Though information and broadcasting ministry secretary Pawan Chopra today deposed before the panel to explain the government’s viewpoints on CAS, he refused to speak to the media on the issue. But I&B minister Ravi Shankar Prasad told journalists elsewhere that his party colleagues’ criticism of CAS exemplifies the democratic way in which the party functions. Shankar however, asserted the CAS rollout deadline remains “unchanged.”
Several members of the Standing Committee said that they were not opposed to CAS, but the issue of affordability of set-top boxes and the resultant effect on people needs to be examined more thoroughly.
The government is understood to have allayed the fears of the MPs, even while bringing to their notice that the finance ministry had earlier in the day announced a reduction in customs duty on imports of STBs.
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.
