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Trai out, Govt. in for deciding addressability issue
NEW DELHI: Contrary to speculations and expectations – the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai), it seems is unlikely to make a definitive recommendation on introduction of addressability, leaving the government to take a final call from at least three options.
The three options being touted by the regulator include partial price control in those areas where it is deemed fit to do through introduction of addressability. But all these options also come with their inherent drawbacks.
Reason for these options: one system of addressability cannot be feasible for the whole country, though in the long run the system is the best way to bring about transparency in the industry.
It is also likely to suggest, according to sources in the government, that making available content on a non-discriminatory basis to all platforms should be opted for. But this condition too comes with some riders.
Interestingly, taking a leaf from the telecom industry, the broadcast and cable sector regulator also feels that inter-connect agreements (read commercial agreements) between a local cable op and a MSO, and a MSO and a broadcaster be registered with a designated authority and should be in the public domain in those areas where conditional access system (Cas) would be implemented.
The regulator feels that at the moment there is no coherent revenue sharing mechanism existing in the broadcast and cable industry and that in case of Cas, involvement of state government is a must. This can also be interpreted as those states preferring Cas could introduce and implement it.
Trai, is all for “transparent discounts” being offered by broadcasters and service providers to consumers, but such discounts should not exceed 20 per cent of the total price of a bouquet in case of broadcasters.
The regulator, which is yet to submit its much-awaited recommendations to the government (information and broadcasting ministry) and make it public, also feels that the concept of minimum guarantee in case of an agreement between an MSO and broadcaster should not be allowed as its anti-competitive. As part of its objectives, Trai feels that the aim of its recommendations should be to make available more choice to the consumer, services at affordable prices and investments for the overall good of the industry.
The regulator, is also likely to root for the fact that though content should be made available on a nondiscriminatory basis to all platforms, it would not apply on defaulters. In case of direct-to-home (DTH) TV services, for example, this clause would come into play when there are at least two operational licences in the field.
Additionally, it would be suggested that one administrative official is appointed in every state to oversee the implementation of the must-provide clause and interfere also in the affairs of the industry if the latter is unable to sort out issues within itself.
Moreover, if a service has to be withdrawn by a content provider, it needs to be advertised properly through ads in the local newspapers and after serving a 30-day notice. On the issue of regulating advertisements on pay channels, the regulator is likely to opine that it should be left to self-regulation as most channels adhere to an international model of between 10-12 minutes of commercial airtime every one hour.
In its draft recommendations, Trai has quoted Taiwan’s example at various places and also stated that the prices of pay channels have grown at a CAGR of 70-80 per cent since 1993.
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.
