The government is divided over allowing foreign direct investment (FDI) in multi-brand and foodgrain retailing. While the Ministry of Finance is opposed to any change in the existing retail FDI policy, the Agriculture and Consumer Affairs Ministries, along with the Planning Commission, are open to the proposal mooted by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. At present, FDI in these areas of retailing is banned. The finance ministry’s position gains significance in...
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Arvind Kejriwal, 2006 Ramon Magsaysay award winner and founder of Parivartan interviewed by Pallavi Singh
How would you rate the functioning of the RTI Act five years into its enactment? It has been a mixed experience. It is encouraging that we have one of the best laws in the world but its shoddy implementation is taking the sheen away. The two nerve centers of RTI are simplifying the process of filing an application and making the functioning of the Commission effective. The posts of Information Commissioner...
More »UN expert urges aligning development with aspirations of indigenous people
Indigenous people are entitled to their own institutions and self-governing structures to enable them to manage their own affairs and ensure that the development process is aligned with their own cultural patterns, values and customs, a United Nations independent expert says in a report. “In the light of the extreme disadvantages that indigenous peoples have typically faced across a range of social and economic indicators, there are particular concerns… that must...
More »Food Safety & Standard Act to be notified soon: Minister
The government is expected to notify new rules on food safety in December to regulate manufacture, sale and import of food items. “Ministry has already finalised the rules and regulations for the implementation of the food safety and standards act (FSSA), 2006 and the draft will be notified by December for the public consultation,” the Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Mr Ghu lam Nabi Azad told PTI. This will pave...
More »Nine firms selected to provide urban amenities in rural areas
In a first step of its kind, nine private companies have been shortlisted by the Union rural development ministry to develop infrastructure in the rural areas and maintain it for a period of 10 years. The project, envisioned as part of former President A P J Abdul Kalam’s pet scheme, Provision of Urban Amenities in Rural Areas (PURA), will see these nine private players undertaking pilot projects in January next year...
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