-The Hindu The challenges for the success of Ayushman Bharat are more than just at the financial and infrastructural level On September 24, the government launched the grand government-funded healthcare scheme, the Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY). While some see its ambitious goals as its main strength, others are sceptical given the inadequate funding for the scheme, the weak infrastructure of primary health care centres, and the time required for...

-The Hindu A novel initiative of bringing farmers and consumers together turns out to be a win-win deal ARJUN NAIK TANDA (SANGAREDDY DT): Chandi Bai, a 50-year-old farmer, had a memorable day on Sunday at Arjun Naik Tanka in Hoti B mandal when several consumers, who have invested in her farm, participated in a harvesting ceremony. She welcomed the visitors with sweets that she had made, lit a lamp and offered prayers and...

-The Times of India DEHRADUN: The Central Information Commission (CIC) has directed the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) to disclose complaints of corruption received against Union ministers between 2014 and 2017 and action taken on them as well as to share information on the quantum and value of black money brought back from abroad since the Narendra Modi government came to power. The directions to provide all relevant details within 15 days were...

-The Hindu The exodus of migrant labour from Gujarat highlights the indifference of States to their well being and rights Gujarat is one of the top States in India that receive migrant workers, largely temporary and seasonal, on a large scale. In Gujarat, they work in unskilled or semi-skilled jobs in a wide range of activities such as in agriculture, brick kilns and construction work, salt pans and domestic work, petty services...

-The Hindu Business Line New Delhi: Widespread privatisation of public goods in many societies is systematically eliminating human rights protections and further marginalising those living in poverty, according to a new report, released by the United Nations (UN). The 25-page report by the UN is eye-opening in the light of Indian government think-tank Niti Aayog releasing Guidelines for Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) for tackling Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) in government-run district hospitals. Niti Aayog's...