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Delhi-based
citizen's forum Consumer Action Network (CAN), has censured
the Central government for failing to implement the recommendations
of the task force on the introduction of conditional access
systems.
CAN
held a seminar on 'Cable TV: New Age Dictatorship' in New
Delhi on 16 April, where speakers denounced ever increasing
cable rates and subsequent government inaction. CAN claims
the seminar helped raise several related issues faced by
cable consumers.
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CAN
president Ahmed Abdi, advocate Shyam Moorjani and
Hinduja TMT executive VP Ashok Mansukhani at the seminar
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The
purpose of the seminar was to highlight and voice issues
currently faced by cable TV viewers in the country. It aimed
at being a platform for face-to-face dialogue with cable
ops and broadcasters. Speakers included former MRTP acting
chairman Sardar Ali, journalist Saeed Naqvi, Hinduja TMT
executive vice-president Ashok Mansukhani, Delhi high court
advocate Shyam Moorjani, and CAN president Ahmed Abdi.
Some
of the issues discussed at the seminar included freedom
of choice, arbitrary rate hikes, absence of any regulatory
authority in India unlike other countries and lack of initiative
on the government's part.
Abdi
lamented the present state of the consumer who has neither
choice in selection of channels nor in deciding the rates.
Cable rates have increased by more than 400 per cent in
five years, he pointed out. He alleged that it suited broadcasters
to delay the introduction of conditional access as they
would no longer be able to bundle their weak channels and
sell them forcibly along with the popular channels.
Naqvi
commented that there was a need to create awareness on such
issues through forums, debates and seminars. Moorjani stressed
on the need for a regulatory authority to be formed that
can regulate the broadcasting and cable industry and protect
consumers. Cable TV, which has more than 200 million users
in India and which is projected to grow into a Rs 5000 billion
advertising industry, does not have any regulatory authority,
he said.
Speaking on behalf of the cable industry, Mansukhani said
that transparency should come in and that the cable industry
was sick of allegations of "underdeclaration".
He stressed the need for a regulatory authority and conditional
access. He also stressed on the need to freeze the rates.
The
recordings of the findings and suggestions of the seminar
will be forwarded to the information and broadcasting ministry.
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