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Trai seeks opinion for fixing basic tier cable TV rates under CAS
MUMBAI: The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) is seeking industry opinion on whether Rs 77 (excluding tax) should be the maximum cable operators can charge monthly from their subscribers for the basic tier services in areas where conditional access (CAS) is introduced.
The draft tariff amendment order notification, which was released on Thursday, is part of Trai’s initiation to come out with appropriate regulations for interconnection, quality of service, terms of rental for set-top boxes as well as tariffs. The broadcast and cable regulator will have to fix the basic service tier rates for CAS.
“The maximum amount which a cable operator may demand from a subscriber for receiving the programmes transmitted in the ‘basic service tier’ provided by such cable operator shall not exceed Rs 77 per month exclusive of taxes, for a minimum of thirty free-to-air channels. Free-to-air channels, over and above the basic service tier, would also be made available to the subscribers within the maximum amount mentioned above,” Trai said in a statement.
In 2003, the government had fixed a ceiling rate of Rs 72 a month per subscriber for the basic service tier under the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995. The regulator had, in its tariff order dated 01.10.2004, fixed a general ceiling across the value chain, both in respect of free-to-air and pay channels, at the levels prevalent as on 26 December 2003.
Subsequently, on 1 December 2004, Trai allowed an increase of seven per cent in order to make adjustments for inflation, with effect from 1st January, 2005. Another four per cent increase on account of inflation was allowed by Trai with effect from 1 January 2006, but this increase has been stayed by the Tdsat (Telecom Disputes Settlement And Appellate Tribunal).
The Delhi High Court recently directed the implementation of CAS in the notified areas of the three metros of Mumbai, Kolkata and Delhi before 31 December 2006.
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.
