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Trai to address cable ops complaints against b’casters’ 2nd bouquet push
MUMBAI: Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) is looking into the complaints of cable operators against broadcasters forcibly pushing their second bouquet of channels.
“We have received a large number of complaints and are aware of these problems. We haven’t overlooked these issues.But if cable operators can provide proof that broadcasters threaten to withdraw the first bouquet if the second is not taken, it will strengthen our hands,” Trai advisor AK Bhatnagar said today at an interactive session with the cable operators while attending the 14th edition of the cable television tradeshow SCaT India 2005 in Mumbai.
Referring to the demand by cable operators for dismantling of bouquets, Scat promoter Sudeep Malhotra said Trai chairman Pradip Baijal had remarked on Tuesday at the exhibition that the regulator was looking into the issue.
Cable operators also raised the issue of broadcasters entering into minimum guarantee (MG) deals with a multi system operator (MSO) or a rival network to create a monopoly for a particular territory. “This is not authorised,” clarified Trai joint advisor Rajesh Gupta who was also present at the interactive session.
Why doesn’t Trai force broadcasters to publicise the MRP (maximum retail price) rate of their channels in newspapers so that it will make subscribers aware of the cost structure?
“This will be of no use and transparency can come only with conditional access system (CAS). The total cost of the pay channels comes to Rs 450 a month. The broadcasters and the cable operators know this. This is the industry accepted by everyone,” said Bhatnagar.
Cable operators also wanted to know what the regulator could do on issues where broadcasters were forcing them to sign blank documents and they were not given copies of the commercial agreements. “We have just received one application from the cable operators,” said Bhatnagar, adding that the agreements could be given to the concerned operators if they so wanted.
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.
