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TRAI to submit paper on digitalisation of TV broadcasting in December
MUMBAI: The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) is preparing a consultation paper on digitalisation of TV broadcasting. The regulator is expected to submit the paper to the government in December.
“Digitalisation is an expansive process. It would take some time before a final decision is made,” said TRAI chairman Pradip Baijal.
Baijal said TRAI has also submitted its conclusion on doing away with Access Deficit Charges (ADC). He was speaking at a seminar on “TRAI Report on Issues Relating to Broadcasting and Distribution of TV Channels”, organised by FICCI on 25 November in Mumbai.
Pradip Baijal pointed out there was total chaos all over the world regarding cable TV regulations. He stressed the need for inter-connect agreement when it comes to cable TV regulation in India.
“It is extremely difficult to regulate this sector. You can’t do costing exercises all of a sudden,” he said. All regulation in India should deal with inter-connect agreement.
“We will address the issues of must-carry. Digitalisation is not easy. We need to find out a mechanism for the must-carry provision,” said TRAI advisor Rakesh Kacker, presenting TRAI’s response at the seminar.
Speaking on the inter-connection regulation, Kacker said a total of 24 stake-holders have provided TRAI their comments on the issue. The stake-holders were requested to provide comments by 5 November, 2004, after which the regulation would be finalised, taking into account these comments.
Among others who spoke during the seminar were IBF president & Prasar Bharati chairman KS Sarma, Reliance Entertainment chairman Amit Khanna, SET India CEO Kunal Dasgupta, Salora group MD Sushil Jiwarajka, IBF vice-president and Essel Group vice chairman Jawahar Goel, IBF secretary general NP Nawani, MSO alliance president & Hinduja TMT executive vice president Ashok Mansukhani and Ministry of I&B additional secretary SK Arora.
Presenting the theme, Dasgupta stressed the need for competition among cable operators and MSOs. He said the number of cable operators should be reduced. “The number of cable operators has to be reduced to a manageable number. I know no cable operator would like to hear it. But that is the reality.”
Amit Khanna debated the need for a framework to regulate content. He said the broadcast service regulations should be in the interest of the consumer, keeping in mind the future deployment.
“It must have two clauses: A must-provide clause which will encourage a democratic access and then a must-carry clause. In the case of pricing, the regulator can only set a goal. Commercial negotiations should be encouraged to take this ahead,” Khanna said.
KL Sharma said the issue on TV rating system should be addressed in India soon as it is “affecting the public broadcaster .”
Ashok Mansukhani called for an immediate action from the government regarding addressability. “If we had an arrangement on interconnectivity in place, it would have helped the industry. Government is taking time to do it and that worsens the scenario,” he said.
SK Arora stressed on the need for more consultative processes to solve the issues. “It is a very complex situation. We should have more consultations between TRAI and the players,” he offered.
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.
