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TRAI says 40% consumers have exercised their options under new tariff order
MUMBAI: With just a week for the new tariff order to kick in, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) on Thursday revealed that nearly 40 per cent of the consumers have already exercised their options under the new regulatory framework.
The regulator also expressed its satisfaction over the progress made by all stakeholders in order to adapt to the new norms.
In the last month, TRAI has conducted frequent meetings with DPOs and broadcasters to oversee all implementation plans. The regulator has noted that all service providers have offered a consumer care channel on TV Channel Number 999, consumer corner on their website, started a Call Centre, released mobile apps and updated EPG displaying the MRP of each channel.
The stakeholders have also made arrangements to receive options of subscribers using various methods.
TRAI on its part has carried out an extensive consumer awareness program. The regulator has been proactively educating consumers through various means like social media and SMS.
It has also launched a web portal to help consumers to select the channels of their choice and estimate their monthly bill. A facility has also been provided to take a print out of the TV Channels selected or download the file so that the same can be sent to the TV service provider to facilitate exercising of the subscriber option.
However, the regulator in its latest press note singled out one DTH for non-cooperation.
“Authority has been receiving hundreds of complaints intimating that one of the DTH (Direct to home) service provider is not providing options to its subscribers to exercise their choices and providing misleading information in regard to implementation of new framework. The Authority has taken up the matter. The said DTH operator has assured in writing that they will be complying with the new regulatory framework and will make the options available for obtaining the consumers choice. The Authority assures all the subscribers that all efforts are being made to ensure that there is no inconvenience or any disruption of TV services due to the migration to the new regulatory regime,” it said.
TRAI’s note also went on to add that Multi Systems Operators (MSOs) in far-flung areas and smaller towns are yet to implement the new regulatory framework in letter and spirit.
Despite the strides made by all parties involved, the regulator has yet again directed all broadcasters and DPOs to comply with the new regulatory framework.
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.
