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LUCKNOW: In order to ensure speedy installation of set-top boxes, the district administration has appointed four task-forces comprising members from cable operators' associations and officials from entertainment tax department to monitor supply of set-top boxes on a daily basis. The committees would separately monitor functioning of four main control rooms in the city- Den Mahavir, Den BM Magic, Den Enjoy and DG Network Lucknow Nine. However, the demand to extend the March 31 deadline of installing set-top boxes, as it has already been done in some other cities, has also gained momentum.
The administration seems to be following the famous proverb, 'Better late than Never' by forming these committees just a week ahead of the deadline. These committees are responsible for ensuring that set-top boxes are being delivered at right price to the consumers and also informing about daily installed units to the deputy commissioner of entertainment tax in Lucknow.
Cable operators said that out of the total population of cable TV viewers in Lucknow, only 30% to 40% have got set-top boxes installed till date. Various cable welfare associations have been opposing the decision calling it unilateral and harming interest of common man. However a writ petition filed by Ishaq Ali seeking amendment in the law has been dismissed by the High Court on March 21 saying that Article 19 (2) permits the State to make any law imposing reasonable restriction on fundamental right to expression and also that such a decision cannot be treated as arbitrary.
However cable operators have pointed out a directive in the High Court order which emphasizes on protecting rights of cable subscribers too. The order says that "Rule 13 (5) of the Rules contains a provision that in the event of failure of the concerned operator to supply and install a set-top box, the authority in order to protect the interest of subscribers, may take interim measure to ensure supply of signals. Under rule 14, the authority has been empowered to resolve dispute of various kinds including arrangements for handling complaints and redressal of grievances of the subscribers."
Anil Upadhyay, president of UP Cable Operators Welfare Association said, "The government should safeguard viewing rights of cable viewers as long as the set-top boxes don't get installed in all houses. Ideally they should not stop supply of signals even after the deadline (March 31), as there is an extreme shortage of these boxes countrywide because of the increased demand this month."
Operators have also hinted at the deadline for set-top box installation getting extended up to mid of April owing to supply shortage of boxes. Upadhyay said in cities like Bangalore, Chennai and Ahmadabad the deadline has already been extended up to first week of April. There is no reason why it shouldn't be done here, he argues.
Panel to monitor daily supply of set-top boxes - The Times of India
The administration seems to be following the famous proverb, 'Better late than Never' by forming these committees just a week ahead of the deadline. These committees are responsible for ensuring that set-top boxes are being delivered at right price to the consumers and also informing about daily installed units to the deputy commissioner of entertainment tax in Lucknow.
Cable operators said that out of the total population of cable TV viewers in Lucknow, only 30% to 40% have got set-top boxes installed till date. Various cable welfare associations have been opposing the decision calling it unilateral and harming interest of common man. However a writ petition filed by Ishaq Ali seeking amendment in the law has been dismissed by the High Court on March 21 saying that Article 19 (2) permits the State to make any law imposing reasonable restriction on fundamental right to expression and also that such a decision cannot be treated as arbitrary.
However cable operators have pointed out a directive in the High Court order which emphasizes on protecting rights of cable subscribers too. The order says that "Rule 13 (5) of the Rules contains a provision that in the event of failure of the concerned operator to supply and install a set-top box, the authority in order to protect the interest of subscribers, may take interim measure to ensure supply of signals. Under rule 14, the authority has been empowered to resolve dispute of various kinds including arrangements for handling complaints and redressal of grievances of the subscribers."
Anil Upadhyay, president of UP Cable Operators Welfare Association said, "The government should safeguard viewing rights of cable viewers as long as the set-top boxes don't get installed in all houses. Ideally they should not stop supply of signals even after the deadline (March 31), as there is an extreme shortage of these boxes countrywide because of the increased demand this month."
Operators have also hinted at the deadline for set-top box installation getting extended up to mid of April owing to supply shortage of boxes. Upadhyay said in cities like Bangalore, Chennai and Ahmadabad the deadline has already been extended up to first week of April. There is no reason why it shouldn't be done here, he argues.
Panel to monitor daily supply of set-top boxes - The Times of India
