-First Post If we are willing to believe the best practice examples of cash transfers from Brazil and Philippines, and trust the UPA on the fact that their cash-for-subsidy is going to be all hunky-dory, we also have a right to believe Sitaram Yechury’s concerns about the fancy plan. According to the CPM leader, the cash transfer is a ploy by the government to dismantle the PDS and systematically reduce subsidies. “This is...
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Poor turning poorer as food prices zoom
-One World South Asia South Asia’s households fall into poverty as the result of higher food prices as food prices increase. According to the latest Food Price Watch, global food prices increased 10% between June and July 2012 with staples such as wheat increasing 25% in the period. The crisis continued affecting food and nutrition security throughout South Asia. Bad weather, trade curbs, oil prices and bio-fuel diversions have all led to...
More »Prof. Farzana Afridi, Economics and Planning Unit, Indian Statistical Institute, New Delhi interviewed by Faisal Kidwai
Direct cash transfers or food coupons should be used by the government to provide services to the poor, says Farzana Afridi, Assistant Professor, Economics and Planning Unit, Indian Statistical Institute, New Delhi. Afridi, who obtained her PhD in economics from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, and an MA in economics from the Delhi School of Economics, says that although the Mid Day Meal Programme is having a substantial effect, the...
More »With A Pinch Of Doubt -Amba Batra Bakshi
Double fortified salt is a good idea but... Iodine & Iron Iodised salt came to India in the late 1950s Today, 80 per cent of India uses iodised salt, which has reduced the incidence of goitre Fortifying salt with both iodine and iron can help fight another widespread condition—anaemia Double fortified salt, or DFS, could prove to be a game-changer in the fight against malnutrition But if the fight against...
More »Gadchiroli’s trudging doctors spell hope-Pramit Bhattacharya
A healthcare model relying mainly on people from within the community to provide care is reaping success One of India’s most backward districts and Maharashtra’s worst ranked in human development indicators, Gadchiroli, today finds itself at the forefront of a healthcare revolution that can potentially save millions of infant lives and help India rapidly reduce her abysmal infant mortality rate (IMR). Under the aegis of the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM), India...
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