News Headline
TRAI backs NTO 2.0, says amendment to create level playing field
MUMBAI: The Telecom Regulatory and Authority of India (TRAI) has backed the amendments made in the New Tariff Order (NTO) claiming it to be consumer-friendly. Issuing a statement, TRAI said that it will create a level playing field for all stakeholders in the broadcasting industry.
The regulator believes that transparent mechanism needs to be adopted to encourage the market discovery of channel price, but any attempt to scuttle consumer choice through non-transparent pricing practices means need to be discouraged.
Hence, the authority quoted that the intended benefit for consumers to enable the freedom of choice could not be achieved completely due to misuse of available flexibility by a group of service providers.
Meanwhile, it also clarified that the concern of all the broadcasters regarding placement fee and misuse by few distribution platform operators (DPO) manipulating Electronic Program Guide (EPG) has also been addressed.
The release added that post the implementation of NTO, some broadcasters had enhanced their channel prices drastically. This price increase is anti-consumer and forces regulatory interventions. Adding further it said, “The broadcasters, however, continue to have full flexibility to price their channel as Maximum Retail Price (MRP) of any channel remains in forbearance.”
It further said, “The amendments through NTO 2.0 have left the basic structure of the regulatory framework unchanged with very minor modifications. And it’s targeted to address teething problems relating to smooth implementation.”
The new amendments provide complete freedom to broadcasters/ DPOs to price their services while ensuring that consumers get the freedom to choose the TV channels, the regulator explained.
As the amendments provide appropriate time to stakeholders for implementation, consumers will be able to benefit as per the amended provisions with effect from 1 March 2020.
TRAI also said that the new amendments will usher in better offerings, reduced NCF, more flexible tariff schemes and more choices for consumers.
On 1 January 2020, the regulator had amended the NTO which created a panic-like situation within the broadcaster and service provider community to opt for the legal option against the new TRAI order.
TRAI had come up with a slew of measures in the recent amended that it claims are customer-focused. It has asked the broadcasters to come up with the new price list of channels by 15 January 2020.
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.
