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Trai directs Dish TV to replace non-compliant STBs
NEW DELHI: Broadcast and cable regulator Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) has directed country’s first DTH TV service provider to replace set-top boxes (STBs), if any, which do not comply with the parameters set by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).
According to the regulator, subscribers who have non-BIS compliant boxes can get them changed from the dealers of Dish TV, 20 per cent owned by Zee Telefilms, by end February. The regulator had taken up the issue with Dish TV on receiving complaints last year.
Pointing out that it would have been better if ASC Enterprises (the DTH licence holder) had ensured activation of only BIS compliant boxes, Trai noted that there are “difficulties at the ground level in implementation of the condition.”
“A mid-course corrective action had been taken by ASC Enterprises in the form of amending subscriber’s agreement for ensuring BIS compliant STBs,” Trai said in an official statement today. Dish TV executives were unavailable for comments.
A reference regarding deployment of non-BIS compliant boxes by ASC Enterprises was received by Trai, which felt that as pr licence agreement deployment of open architecture BIS- compliant set-top boxes was necessary.
Evidence received was examined by the regulator, subsequent to which a hearing was given to ASC Enterprises.
In its statement Trai said that ASC Enterprises had admitted that non-BIS compliant STBs were available in the market at a cheaper price, compared to BIS compliant boxes supplied by its licensee or authorised distributors.
Keeping the willingness to replace the non-compliant STBs in use by its subscribers, Trai took a lenient view of the complaint and directed ASC Enterprises to undertake steps to educate the subscribers of the necessity of taking BIS-complaint boxes.
Pointing out that Dish TV has confirmed the replacement scheme for non-BIS compliant boxes free of cost to the subscriber, Trai in its statement today said that so far nine subscribers have opted for replacement.
Any subscriber of DTH service of ASC Enterprise and using a non-BIS compliant box can contact the nearest dealer or call at 1600-12-3474 to avail of the replacement scheme.
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.
