News Headline
Trai releases draft Regulation on ‘Review of The Quality of Service (Code of Practice for Metering and Billing Accuracy) Regulations, 2023’
Mumbai : The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India ( trai ) has released a draft regulation on ‘Review of The Quality of Service (Code of Practice for Metering and Billing Accuracy) Regulations, 2023’ and draft guidelines for this regulation.
Accuracy of metering and billing of telecom services has been a prime focus of the Regulator to protect the interest of consumers. In this regard, TRAI had notified the Quality of Service (Code of Practice for Metering and Billing Accuracy) Regulations, 2006, on 21 March 2006.
These regulations contain a Code of Practice for Metering and Billing Accuracy which is to be complied by all Basic Service Providers, Unified Access Service Providers and Cellular Mobile Telephone Service Providers. The amendment to the Quality of Service (Code of Practice for Metering and Billing Accuracy) Regulation, 2006, was issued on 25 March 2013.
“Over the time, the telecom networks have undergone significant changes, and many new services are offered by the telecom service providers. Additionally, tariffs against the services offered have also undergone significant changes specially after introduction of unlimited data or voice plans with fixed tariffs on daily/monthly/yearly basis. All these new tariff offerings provide unlimited usage with certain limits under Fair Usage Policy(FUP), thereby shifting focus from itemized billing to committed volume of data or voice or SMS on daily basis or till the expiry of validity of the subscribed tariff offering.” said note released by Trai.
It further added, “New IP based networks such as LTE/5G technologies, carrying voice over data have now shifted billing from per second/minute based billing to data volume based billing. Accordingly, service providers are expected to have advanced, robust and scalable IT products for accurate billing of various services being offered to consumers.”
The authority had release Consultation Paper on “Review of The Quality of Service (Code of Practice for Metering and Billing Accuracy) Regulations, 2006′ on 1 September 2020 seeking comments and counter comments of stakeholders by 27 October 2020 and 10 November 2020 respectively.
the Authority had received written comments from 13 stakeholders and 1 counter comment, held Open House Discussions (OHD)and subsequent discussions with the stakeholders and empaneled auditors. All inputs/ comments received have been considered by the Authority while finalizing these draft Regulations and Guidelines.
However, before issuing final regulations by repealing previous regulations and their amendments on the subject, Authority decided to put forward draft regulations and guidelines in the public domain for consideration of the stakeholders and offer further comments, if any.
Written comments on draft regulations and guidelines are invited from the stakeholders by 17 March 2023.
https://www.trai.gov.in/sites/default/files/Draft_Regulation_24022023_0.pdf
Awards
Hamdard honours changemakers at Abdul Hameed awards
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.








