News Headline
Trai, govt lock horns over revenue share
NEW DELHI: Broadcast and cable regulator, Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai), has reiterated some its earlier suggestions on FM radio broadcasting, while “strengthening” some other aspects after incorporating suggestions from the government.
In this connection, for example, Trai has said instead of all applicants being requested to provide only 50 per cent of the entry fees of phase I, as earlier recommended, they may be asked to provide 50 per cent of the amount bid as a demand draft along with their bids.
This will be refunded if the bidder is unsuccessful. If the bidder is successful, it will have to pay the balance 50 per cent within seven days of being informed that the bid has been accepted.
This is in response to a government observation that Trai’s recommendations relating to FM radio broadcasting does not adequately protect the former’s interest.
The government had said that Trai’s recommendation, with regard to adoption of closed bid tender system without any reserve entry fee and adequate penal provisions for withdrawal and with a provision for a waiting list, is “considered to be susceptible to both pre-tender and post-tender cartelization” and, therefore, unacceptable.
The information and broadcasting ministry had also pointed out that there is a case for prescribing a reserve entry fee, with sufficient withdrawal penalty to deter a non-serious bidder, from participating in the tender process.
To an another suggestion from the government on the method of licensing and arresting loss of revenue, Trai, in its response to the government today, assured that under-reporting of revenues earned by the private FM radio players could be effectively neutralized.
“One of the ways that advertising revenues can be under reported is by appointing an agent for collecting advertisements and then paying such agency heavy commission. It is (now) recommended that the maximum permissible agency commission may be fixed as 15 per cent of gross advertising revenue and this limit may be specified in the license agreement to ensure that there is no wrongful loss to the government,” the regulator has said, conceding a government point.
However, Trai has stoutly defended its recommendation on migration to revenue share (4 per cent) from the existing license fee regime despite the government objecting to this on the ground that revenue earnings of a radio operator are expected to be in the form of advertising revenues, which are un-metered, unlike the earnings of a telecom service provider, amongst other things.
Pointing out that decline in revenue for the government cannot be the only criterion for not accepting a revenue share regime, Trai has countered, ” The objective of a license share of 4 per cent is to bring down the burden on the industry.”
It has further added: “If companies make large profits due to the lower license fees then this can always be mopped up by (imposing) corporate tax. On the other hand, if the license fees are kept very high, there will neither be revenue through license fees or corporate tax, nor will there be any development of the radio industry.”
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.
