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Trai offers government 3 options on CAS
NEW DELHI: Broadcast and cable sector regulator is giving the government various options to choose from in the case of conditional access system and pricing control.
OPTION No. 1: In any state where price control is the objective then a model could be followed which
envisages partial freezing, while factoring in an additional annual increase keeping in mind the inflation.
This model is likely to suggest that the prices, frozen as of 26 December, 2003, continue, but the broadcasters, MSOs and cable ops can charge an additional 5 per cent, which would be considered as the annual inflation cost.
For example, if a cable op were paying a MSO Rs 100 for the area serviced, then, according to this option, the cable op would pay Rs 105.
The drawback of this system is that the present disadvantages of the system would continue, while the consumer is unlikely to have a variety of choices. Moreover, this formula would not be able to compete with the introduction of new technologies like KU-band DTH.
OPTION No. 2: This formula can be adopted where TRAP-ping the prices in a limited way is the objective.
Under this formula, the services could be divided in two tiers. The first tier would comprise the free to air channels, priced at Rs 72+5 per cent annual hike.
The second tier would comprise all the existing pay channels. This tier could be priced through a formula:
Rs. 72+5%+Rs. 5 (service cost for putting the TRAP system)+ X where `X’ would denote the price of a pay channel to be decided by the broadcaster.
Any new pay channel after a particular notified date would be available only through set-top boxes.
The problems that are likely to be encountered if this option is taken that the revenue share disputes would continue unsolved and TRAP (a limited edition of a full-fledged addressable system received through a box) is not completely foolproof or hack-proof.
OPTION No. 3: CAS is made mandatory, but done so in consultation with respective state governments.
Drawbacks would be that to make such a formula in a country like India to really succeed heavy regulation and stringent implementation would be necessary, even as the issue of who’ll-buy-the-box persists.
The regulator’s recommendations, which may still see some changes being effected, does quote Taiwan’s example in case of price control. In Taiwan, the price of the basic tier is regulated.
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.
