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TRAI audits MSOs in Kolkata
KOLKATA: The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) will not allow any laxity in achieving complete digitisation in phase I markets. After issuing several directions to multi system operators (MSOs) operating in the region, the regulator has now decided to visit all the MSOs to inspect whether the DAS regulations have been maintained, technical issues have been resolved and CAS and SMS are in place.
Industry sources reveal that the TRAI officials inspected the office of Kolkata based MSOs, 18 June onwards. As part of this, the regulator checked if the details in the subscriber management system (SMS) were duly filled. It can be recalled that TRAI had, a few weeks ago, in a directive, asked the MSOs to keep their SMS updated and also start online pre-paid and post-paid billing facility.
Sources indicate that while all the MSOs were prepared for this inspection, billing in the KM area with more than 32 lakh cable TV homes emerged as the biggest issue for some as customers were not paying as per the bill. “During the inspection, TRAI officials noted non-compliance of the provisions of the regulations by the service providers,” inform the sources.
Siticable Kolkata director Suresh Sethia adds, “It is for the first time that TRAI officials came to our office for auditing. They checked our SMS, CAF, SAF and our agreement with the LCOs.”
“The TRAI officials who visited the offices of the various MSOs in the region for two-three days, questioned them on the nitty-gritty’s of facts and information that were missing,” informs the source.
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.
