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TRAI to review telecoms tariff structure
NEW DELHI: Changing telecom landscape and increasing convergence happening between telecoms and broadcast services have made Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) initiate a fresh consultation process regarding telecoms tariff structures.
The consultation paper put out by TRAI late last week, while highlighting dealing with “emergent issues and challenges”, said the re-assessment becomes necessary to take care of regulatory principles of tariff issues like “transparency, promotional offers, disclosures and non discrimination, adherence to the principle of non-predatory pricing, meaning of predatory pricing, relevant market (and) assessment of dominant position.”
“The consultation process aims to bring about greater clarity in interpretation of various regulatory principles set out in the TTO (Telecommunication Tariff Order, 1999) in consonance with the best global practices,” the TRAI paper said.
Of late various telcos have been opposing and criticising TRAI’s inaction in dealing effectively with predatory pricing and offers, especially a comparative newcomer, Reliance Jio. An extension till March 31, 2017 to Jio’s free data offer to its consumers and targets has been the cause of heartburn in the telecom industry.
According to a news report in Mint newspaper, Market leader Bharti Airtel Ltd has moved the Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT), raising questions about the validity of the extension of Reliance Jio free offers till March 2017 and accusing TRAI of inaction against Jio.
While the regulator in the past has justified its actions on the Jio free offer fracas, in its latest consultation paper it explained the need to go in for a fresh assessment of the tariff structures of telecoms service providers: “Despite the amendments made to the TTO and other regulations issued to factor in various market developments, a need has been felt to undertake a comprehensive review of the TTO framework, albeit in a phased manner, starting with a discussion on the core regulatory principles enshrined in the TTO…The consultation is in line with the decision taken in the meeting held with the CEOs of the TSPs (telecoms service providers) on 6 January 2017 to discuss the annual calendar of activities of TRAI for the year 2017, which, inter-a/ia, included developing a new framework for tariffs in evolving telecommunication sector and on which there was a consensus.”
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.
