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Planning Commission to study regulatory issues
NEW DELHI: Planning Commission, a government think-tank on economic issues, has set up two cells to look into the issues of infrastructure and regulatory mechanism in areas where it exists and in those where it doesn’t.
The cell on regulatory mechanism would study the broadcast and cable industry too, apart from other industry sectors like petroleum, energy and telecom.
The Planning Commission, which is to compile a paper on the regulatory issues, is likely to complete its mandate by end October.
This was confirmed today here by deputy chairperson of the Planning Commission Montek Singh Ahluwalia at an interactive session held under the aegis of Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (Ficci).
According to technocrat Ahluwalia, a major concern currently faced by investors is that the regulatory regime is either not clear or certainly not internationally benchmarked. “The Commission has been asked to prepare a paper on regulatory standards to bring about effective private public sector partnership in critical infrastructure investments,” he said.
Plan panel sources indicated that broadcast and cable industry issues would be taken up as to whether the sector needs a separate regulatory body — on the lines of Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) that is overseeing this sector too along with the telecom segment — or an all-encompassing regulatory framework is needed for the convergence space.
There are indications emerging from information and broadcasting ministry that it would ideally like Trai to relinquish its say over the broadcast and cable sector. On several occasions in the past, I&B minister Jaipal Reddy has said that Trai is an interim measure adopted by the previous government.
Speaking at Ficci, Ahluwalia elaborated that the Commission proposes to work on the regulatory regime in a two-stage operation.
First, it would work out the general principles that a regulatory framework should meet. Then in the next stage, it would review the status of the regulatory system in each sub-sector like telecom, power, ports and roads. “The idea is to pinpoint the changes actually required to evolve a credible regulatory structure to attract investments,” Ahulwalia explained.
The paper will get completed for the government to study by year-end and will be part of the mid term appraisal of the 10th Five-Year Plan. The document will first go to the cabinet and then to the National Development Council for the approval of the states.
Ahluwalia also said that said that Indian Infrastructure needs a major facelift and in recent years lack of quality infrastructure has adversely affected the flow of foreign direct investment towards India.
Elaborating on government’s plan to address the issues related to infrastructure development, Ahluwalia said that FDI couldn’t come just because the government policy says that `investment is welcome.’ It mainly depends on the underlying economic environment and “there is a widespread perception that a single major factor holding investors back is the quality of Indian infrastructure,” he added.
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.
