MUMBAI: With each passing day, the conditional access story is looking more and more bedraggled. In the latest twist to the non-event CAS is turning out to be, Kolkata is as good as officially off the CAS roll out radar
The information is that the West Bengal state government chief secretary has issued a five-point letter to the information and broadcasting (I&B) ministry indicating why CAS can't be implemented in Kolkata.
Among the point raised in the West Bengal chief secretary's letter were:
a) The CAS is industry-friendly and not consumer-friendly as is claimed by the I&B ministry. The proof of this is borne out of the fact that CAS was deferred in Delhi out of fear that it would have an adverse impact on the BJP's chances in the upcoming state assembly election.
b) If CAS could be deferred in Mumbai due to the Ganesh Chathurthi festival, then using the same yardstick CAS should be deferred in Kolkata as well, as the Durga Puja festival is around the corner.
c) There was no clarity on the pay channel rate.
d) Let us have a meeting of all states where CAS is sought to be implemented so that there could be further discussion.
An senior I&B ministry official admitted to indiantelevison.com that in the light of the letter, CAS for all practical purpose should be defered in Kolkata as well.