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Trai releases consultation paper on ‘Introduction of digital connectivity infrastructure provider authorisation under Unified Licence’
Mumbai: As it emphasises the significance of “strong” digital connectivity in economic development, Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) on Thursday started stakeholder discussions on the introduction of the “Digital Connectivity Infrastructure Provider” authorisation under single licencing.
The regulator stated this while releasing its most recent consultation paper for stakeholder views. “Digital connectivity infrastructure plays a vital and leading role in the successful implementation of various government schemes under Digital India, Make in India, Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission, and the development of smart cities,” it said.
The recently deployed 5G network, according to Trai , would turn India into a broadband superhighway and strengthen the socioeconomic fabric of the nation.
It is imperative that new players are encouraged through conducive licencing framework for creation of active and passive infrastructure, it added. “Trai released the consultation paper on 9 February on ‘Introduction of Digital Connectivity Infrastructure Provider Authorisation under Unified Licence,” the regulator said in a statement.
Views on a variety of topics have been solicited. Stakeholder feedback has been invited on the proposed DCIP authorization, as well as the terms, conditions, and scope of such authorisation. Trai has inquired about any potential issues or roadblocks in the migration of IP-I (Infrastructure Provider) registered entities to the proposed DCIP authorisation under UL. It explains what these issues are and what migratory guidelines should be implemented.
“What measures should be taken to ensure that DCIP Licensee lease/rent/sell their infrastructure to eligible service providers (that is DCI items, equipment, and system) on a fair, non-discriminatory, and transparent manner throughout the agreed period,” according to another question posed by Trai in the consultation paper.
Trai has also invited feedback from stakeholders on how to ensure that DCIPs lease/rent/sell DCI items, equipment, and systems within the limits of their designed network and capacity, so that service delivery is not jeopardised at the expense of other eligible service providers.
Stakeholders have been asked to submit written comments on the consultation paper by 9 March, as well as counter-comments by 23 March.
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.
