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TRAI’s audit debate unveils industry turmoil
MUMBAI: What happens when expectations collide with cold, hard realities? The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India’s (TRAI) latest open house discussion (OHD) on the audit clauses of the Interconnection Regulations, 2017, pulled back the curtain on a brewing storm. A room teeming with stakeholders—digital platform operators, broadcasters, and industry leaders—revealed not just simmering discontent but also deep cracks in the system. Amid heated debates, calls for stricter penalties for defaulters clashed with the ongoing struggle to implement regulations effectively, leaving behind a mixed trail of frustration, hope, and hard questions.
The discussion, which saw limited participation from broadcasters, revealed persistent gaps in compliance. All India Digital Cable Federation (AIDCF) secretary general, Manoj Chhangani called for stringent action against non-compliant multi-system operators (MSOs). “Broadcasters should be strictly prohibited from providing TV signals to MSOs who fail to conduct audits,” he asserted, suggesting public disclosure of defaulters on broadcasters’ websites.
Siti Networks head of legal and regulatory department, Girish Bhuttan echoed Chhangani’s sentiment, advocating financial penalties and potential license cancellation for repeat offenders. However, Bhuttan expressed scepticism about the lack of enforcement, stating, “We have not seen any action against those not implementing these provisions. If not enforced, these rules lose their significance.”
On the other hand, Consumer Care Society secretary, Gopal Ratnam cautioned against moves that might affect consumers, terming them “anti-consumer”. Ratnam predicted legal challenges if broadcasters disconnected signals for non-compliance.
Broadcasters criticised the lack of transparency and enforcement, citing a history of excuses from DPOs, ranging from software issues to falsified audit reports. An industry veteran noted that 90 per cent of audits were either incomplete or improperly conducted in the past five years. “Denying or delaying audits is akin to saying, ‘Take the product and forget about it’”, the veteran said.
Broadcasters also raised concerns over the quality of audit personnel, with many reports prepared by inexperienced trainees. To address this, the Indian Broadcasting & Digital Foundation (IBDF) proposed giving broadcasters primary rights to conduct DPO audits. “This would reduce the burden on smaller DPOs and ensure greater transparency,” said IBDF secretary, Radhakrishnan Nair.
Industry participants emphasised the need for a structured approach to audits, better training for auditors, and stricter penalties for non-compliance. While some suggested collaboration with TRAI to refine the framework, others expressed doubts about the efficacy of current recommendations.
As the discussion concluded, broadcasters reiterated the necessity of reforms to safeguard their revenues and maintain system integrity. With TRAI planning an open house discussion to finalise recommendations, the industry remains divided on how to balance enforcement with consumer interests.
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.
