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To cap or not to cap; Trai in contemplation
MUMBAI: Should there be a cap on the permitted number of plans operators offer? What should be the service segments for application of the proposed cap? Is a minimum validity period specified for tariff plans? Should promotional plan offers be made as a standard discount offer? All of these ambiguous issues and more was the agenda at an open house session with Trai representatives at the Ambassador Hotel in Mumbai today.
Trai chairman Pradip Baijal along with other representatives delved into long pending issues and also gave an insight into the proposed plan of action regarding the issue of limiting the number of tariff plans offered by access providers.
The need for limiting the number of plans seems to be the need of the hour as Baijal says, “Companies are creating a significant amount of confusion when advertising their tariffs. There are far too many plans to allow the user to make an informed judgement on the right choice.”
Considering the widespread concern in regards to the increasing number of tariff plans, which not only baffle the consumer but also makes it next to impossible for them to render an informed choice. Trai opines that it is most vital to place a cap on the number of plans being offered by service
providers as it is seen as the only way of achieving it.
Hence this brings us to a number of issues:
1. The permitted number of plans should continue that a competitive market warrants, also enabling the consumer in choosing the best option. Since operators have anyway made inroads into the market with such momentum, a cap of five numbers is unlikely to curb competition.
2. Services permitted under licensees are being executed in different modes with mobile services made available in both prepaid as well as the postpaid mode. Hence, for the purpose of tariff plan capping, these services have to be treated as separate segments. Likewise services like ISDN, centrex et al would also fall under a different segment or could be left out of the capping as there are only limited plans offered for these services. Although, emerging services like DSL should be treated as a completely different segment and should be made subject to capping.
3. Constant withdrawal of tariff plans could pose problems for consumers as it would lead to changes in estimated spending. Ensuring a minimum validity period for tariff plans would only take away the uncertainty factor. However, this could also prove to be a pitfall for consumers taking into consideration the continuous falling of telecom tariffs on account of fierce competition. Another view could be that the specification of minimum validity period could curtail the flexibility to the operators in passing benefits of competitive decline in tariffs to the customers.
4. Should business or corporate plans be treated as a separate segment considering the requirements of business customers would be different from general or individual customers. The issue essentially is whether both general and business tariff plans are to be treated as a single segment of
the capping or should an inclusion of another five plans be incorporated for corporate accounts.
5. The current scenario has service providers using different permutations and combinations to generate different value added tariff plans. The point here is if this continues, the purpose of putting a cap will be defeated, hence it is crucial that every tariff plan would clearly identify tariffs for each element including VAS.
6. Should there be standardisation of discounts for promotions plans or will they simply add to the confusion in the market. Multiple sectors and vertically integrated operators could also use this in an unfair, anti-competitive manner. Although, on the other hand promotional offers
are beneficial to the consumer.
Considering the above factors and the pros and cons in limiting the number of tariff plans, Trai on a progressive note is in the process of making a software, which will ensure the consumer knows exactly how much he has to pay for ‘X’ amount of usage, which will maximise the consumers utilisation and increase value for tariff.
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.
