Amid the controversy over the introduction of Conditional Access System, Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit on Tuesday dashed off a letter to Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Ravi Shanker Prasad opposing the move as a "harsh measure" and advocating its review.
Citing her government's interactions with various citizen groups in Delhi, Dikshit said CAS scheduled to be implemented in the four metros from July 14 has raised apprehensions that "consumers' interests may not be protected", sources in the city government told PTI.
"The mandatory payment for the new technology equipment (set-top box) ranging between Rs 4,000-8,000 is exorbitant for middle and lower class viewers," she said.
"Unfortunately, in the name of widening subscribers' choice, a new financial burden has been put on the hapless subscriber," she said, adding "an additional investment along with increase in cost of pay channels is a harsh measure for the average viewer in this city."
Conveying the "concern" of her government on the matter, the chief minister asked the Centre to "examine in more detail" the implications of the CAS for cable TV viewers.
"A more easily payable scheme with clear advantages, easily comprehensible to the consumer would be a better option," Dikshit said.
