-The Indian Express Bihar’s female literacy rate, at 53.33 per cent as per the 2011 Census, is the second lowest after Rajasthan’s 52.66 per cent. Did women help win this election for the Nitish Kumar-led Grand Alliance? While that awaits an analysis, the fact is more women cast their votes in this assembly election than ever before in Bihar’s history. And this, despite the state’s dismal record when it comes to...

-The Pioneer Bhubaneswar: The increasing instances of farmers’ suicides due mainly to failure of crops and burden of loans incurred from different sources have brought traumatic shocks and a shattering blow to the farming community in Odisha and brazen shame to the present dispensation at the helm. It appears that the State administration is never worried and concerned about the agonies and tragedies of the poor cultivators. As reported, an astounding number...

-The Hindu Despite its uneven history in India, decentralisation is vital to strengthen participatory democracy, facilitate responsive governance and enable public service delivery. Much has been written on decentralisation in India though, on the ground, there is very little to show despite the 73rd and 74th Constitutional amendments. The rationale for decentralisation comes from the need to strengthen participatory democracy, facilitate responsive governance, ensure greater accountability and enable public service delivery according to...

-The New Indian Express MYSURU: His origins speak of hardship and hard work. Farmer Puttaiah, son of a bonded labourer, who has been invited by the state government to inaugurate Dasara festivities, is, however in the limelight today as he has been a symbol of self-sufficiency and hope for fellow farmers. Of his childhood, Puttaiah says, “My father Karaiah, a bonded labourer, worked for Rs 100 per annum with landlords in K...

-The Times of India AURANGABAD: A mother of five children, succumbed to burn injuries after she allegedly attempted suicide reportedly over starvation due to prevalent drought situation in Ambi village of Osmanabad district here. Manisha Gatkal (32), who was fed up with unemployment and starvation owing to drought situation in the region, immolated herself last Saturday, following which she was admitted to Osmanabad district hospital, police said. The family was allegedly starving due...