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TRAI wants ombudsman for telecom sector
MUMBAI: The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has recommended to the government that an office of ombudsman be established in the telecommunication sector, according to an official release.
TRAI had earlier brought out a ‘consultation paper’ on establishment of the office of ombudsman in the telecommunication sector, calling for comments from all stakeholders including individual consumers and consumer organisations on the subject. Open house discussions were also held to find out views of general public on the need and modalities of establishment of an ombudsman.
While it was generally agreed that consumers can take recourse to consumer courts for their grievances, a necessity was felt for having an industry internalised ombudsman for quick redressal of complaints without taking away the option of approaching consumer courts.
The Authority noted that establishment of an ombudsman would be a desirable development, especially because the prevailing structure needed supplementing to deal with the consumer complaints in the telecom sector. The Authority also noted that the telecom service providers were not in favour of funding an ombudsman for the telecom sector.
The Authority is of the view that the best recourse for establishing an ombudsman would be to make an amendment in the license for which the licensor has full power and authority.
Since the service providers are not very enthusiastic in providing the requisite facilities and financial assistance, the Authority is of the view that in order to establish and sustain the office of ombudsman, funds may be provided from the license fee collected annually from the telecom sector.
This way only a very negligible percentage of the revenue of the service providers (less than 0.01per cent) will be sufficient to meet the expenses and it would not put any undue burden on the service providers, TRAI said in its release.
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.
