-The Telegraph Meghalaya’s agitating social organisations today exhorted the state’s political leaders to ask the Election Commission to “exempt clauses” as far as enrolment of voters is concerned in view of the presence of a minority indigenous population. “It is a matter of political will. If our politicians are really concerned about the state, they should approach the Election Commission and seek exemption from the guidelines as far as registration of...

Several activists have asked the Planning Commission to take into account cultural norms if it wanted to ensure success of minority welfare schemes. To make his point, Shabnam Hashmi, of the NGO Anhad, cited as example the plan panel’s proposal of giving bicycles to girls from the minority community where school attendance is low. “This,” Hashmi said, “shows the complete lack of understanding of cultural norms in Muslim areas.” While bicycles provide mobility...

-The Times of India THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The National Bankfor Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) has unveiled an ambitious Rs 5,320 crore plan for various development activities in the state this year. The bank has allocated Rs 2,075 crore for short-term agriculture activities which can go up to Rs 2,600 crore depending on the successful operations of the co-operative banks in the state. "For long -term investment in rural sector, NABARD has committed to provide...

-The Hindu To say human being is untouchable is to deny God: Asra Garg The Madras High Court Bench here on Thursday appreciated Madurai Superintendent of Police Asra Garg (31) for efforts taken by him in putting an end to long pending hostility between Caste Hindus and Dalits of Villoor near here through talks. Justice D. Hariparanthaman recorded his appreciation for the SP and his team of policemen while closing a writ petition...

-IANS Lucknow, April 27: Seema Saroj, a resident of Pratapgarh district in Uttar Pradesh, was denied payment under the rural jobs scheme for months. She then joined Nari Sangh, a women's group working for the rights of people, and took on the authorities to get her pending dues. Saroj is one among over 80,000 women from 666 gram panchayats in nine districts of eastern Uttar Pradesh who have, under the umbrella of...