“FREE” TV CHANNELS MUST BE FREE-TO-AIR AS PER LAW

PAY channels available for free on DD Free Dish must also be available free-to-air without deactivation on other private distribution platforms like Tata Play and Airtel, Dish TV, etc. Purpose to ensure a level playing field between pay TV channels and Prasar Bharati, which operates DD Free Dish, a free-to-air platform.
Some broadcasters argue that this could harm their revenue and market reach, particularly since they already offer their content at low prices.
Where is the so called low prices of DTH broadcasters ? It’s above Rs 200 and so on. In case monthly recharge of private broadcasters is over, the setup box goes off. At least, free channels should be aired uninterruptedly. The desirous customer would finally recharge his DTH setup box for wanting pay channels with enthusiasms.
It is learnt that the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has mandated that pay channels available on the DD Free Dish platform of Prasar Bharati must also be declared free-to-air on other distribution platforms. This order aims to ensure a level playing field between pay TV channels and public service broadcasters. Broadcasters have expressed concerns that this mandate could negatively impact their revenues and market reach.
It is also being discussed that some broadcasters are considering legal challenges to the TRAI directive, arguing that Prasar Bharati is not under TRAI’s regulatory purview. What? If so, government should bring new amendment. Prime Minister Modi could succeed over it. As he is for the people, by the people and of the people. TRAI should amend the law. Free channels must be free to air, that’s all.
—Rajesh Banaulikar, Veigaswado, Arpora

ALARMING SPATE OF ROAD ACCIDENTS!
THE increasing number of fatal road accidents that our Goa has been sadly witnessing is a matter of great concern. The very tragic death of our Ribandar’s young Benny Cardoso is so very unfortunate and very anguishing. Bonny, as we all knew him, was a very caring person ready to always help, anyone and everyone.
The thrust of the government should be in urgently tackling the causes of the growing number of road accidents. Poor road engineering is a cause of many accidents including the one that snuffed away our dear Bonny at Ribandar.
There needs to be a total crackdown on drunken driving and reckless over speeding. Vigilance by the traffic authorities around the schools and colleges must also be enhanced to stop the unlicensed and rash riders. Cattle squatting on our highways besides the dogs and pigs crossing our roads are also a cause of many accidents, some being fatal.
Proper traffic management and road safety is of paramount importance. A government’s first duty and highest obligation is public safety. Safety does not happen by accident. It is the solemn duty of everyone to take their own safety and the safety of others very seriously. Prevention is better than cure!
—Aires Rodrigues, London

LADKI-BAHIN YOJANA: NO RECOVERY FROM INELIGIBLE BENEFICIARIES
PRIOR to the 2024 election in Maharashtra politicians promised to implement the Ladki-Bahin Yojana, if they came to power, and that eligible women (21 to 65 years) would receive Rs1,500 every month. A good proposal indeed but as is usual the first applicants for any beneficiary schemes are those not eligible! During a vetting process the Maharashtra found that 2,200 ineligible government employees had received the monthly amount.
Recently, when Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar was asked if there would be any action or recovery from them, reportedly he had replied that no legal action would be taken. This benevolent move by the government perhaps considered the fact that legal courses would be costlier than the distributed amounts.
Or, is it a one-time “bonus” for those who took the government for a ride? Would they be suspended, have some adverse remarks in their personal records, halting of one increment or promotion stopped for a year? If there is no action, the morale of the honest employees would be lowered.
In 2024 surveys were undertaken by Ajit Panchwadkar, Director of Social Welfare Department, Goa to identify beneficiaries of the Dayanand Social Security Scheme (DSSS). It was found that about 4,000 persons aged 80 years and above were either untraceable or were dead; but received the benefits!
Let us wait for the results of the surveys (in phases) of beneficiaries from 60 to 80 years. If some ineligible government employees are involved, will the authorities take action or follow the example of Maharashtra?
—Sridhar Iyer, Caranzalem, Panjim