News Headline
Prasar Bharati outlines strict guidelines for programmes on DD
NEW DELHI: Shape up, or ship out. This is the message that Prasar Bharati is giving out to private producers of programmes who have made hay for long while the Doordarshan sun shone.
Pointing out that from now on, DD would be insisting on a programme notching a certain amount of TRP if it wants to continue being on the DD platform, Prasar Bharati CEO K S Sarma told indiantelevision today, ” We are likely to insist on serials and other entertainment programmes getting between 6-8 TRP between the 10th and 13th episode. If that does not happen, such programmes will be phased out.”
The payment for programmes would also be made around the 10th episode once the TRPs start coming. The copyright, unlike in the past as in the case of mega serials like BR Chopra’s Mahabharata and Ramanand Sagar’s Ramayan, would now be DD’s.
If this sounds like a bit far-fetched, then hang on. Prasar Bharati is getting savvy and is in no mood to tolerate any nonsense from private producers, a la private satellite channels who have stringent agreements with outside programme producers.
In a landmark decision taken during the course of a two-day board meet ended yesterday, India’s pubcaster, managing the affairs of Doordarshan and All India Radio, has also decided that those producers who owe money to DD and have gone to the court seeking legal redressal would not be allowed to use the DD platform unless they mend their ways.
The deadline for this is 15 August, according to Prasar Bharati CEO K S Sarma, who said, “If the defaulters (four of them) don’t come around and submit a repayment plan, DD will not allow them to make programmes even on the basis of advance payment.”
Sarma said all noted producers would be welcome but defaulters will be excluded from it. In fact, the Prasar Bharati heard four major defaulters -Sunil Mehta, Dheeraj Kumar of Creative Eye, Ramanand Sagar and Sanjay Khan’s Numero Uno— and the board finally “rejected” their claims, Sarma added.
Superstar Amitabh Bachchan’s ABCL, once a leading defaulter, has cleared the principle amount, he added. At one time, Bachchan had even agreed to do public service messages for free on DD in lieu against another portion of the outstanding due to the pubcaster.
Prasar Bharati board has also decided to give life insurance cover to its employees in the strife-torn Jammu & Kashmir state. Recently kashmiri miltants had attached the AIR facility there.
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.
