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Trai gives cable industry go ahead for price review
NEW DELHI: Broadcast and cable regulator Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) today clarified that the cable industry can review the prices to adjust an increase in service tax to 8 per cent and implementation of an additional tax in the form of educational cess as mandated by the Central government in its annual budgetary proposals.
In a statement issued today, Trai said than an earlier order of the organisation, under the Telecommunication (Broadcasting and Cable) Services Tariff Order 2004, was being amended to accommodate these changes, pursuant to demands from the industry.
Trai had specified as ceiling the rates at which the charges will be paid by the cable subscribers to cable operators, by the cable operators to multi-service operators and by multi service operators to broadcasters (including their authorised distribution agencies) as prevailing on 26 December, 2003.
Subsequently in July, the new government presented the country’s annual budget for the year 2004-05 and introduced the Finance Bill in the Lower House of Parliament. As part of the budgetary proposals, the government had proposed to increase the service tax and levy an educational cess on cable services, as part of an overall exercise to mop up more revenue.
“Since the rates of taxes are decided by the Central and State governments, it would not be appropriate for the Authority to put a ceiling on such charges. Generally the regulated prices are exclusive of taxes and in this case also the ceiling is on the charges payable exclusive of taxes. To amply clarify the issue, the Authority has decided to amend the tariff order,” the Trai statement said.
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.
