The Central budget of 2010-11 is a further step in the realisation of a vision of India vibrant with the income, wealth, saving, education and the entrepreneurial energy of the top 5-10 per cent of the population and the rest of Indians, serving that minority and surviving as barely literate, malnourished multitude.  With the accession of Rajiv Gandhi to power, a vision began to germinate. That vision was that of...

To assist the poor in entitlements under Act  Lok Karmi should not have affiliation with political bodies 12th Standard pass will be preferable The Centre has set in motion the process to appoint Lok Karmis and Lok Sevaks for the proper implementation of Mahatma Gandhi Rural Employment guarantee Act (MGREGA). In view of disparities in rural social structures and inequalities in functional capabilities of the poor and marginalised sections lacking literacy skill...

Away from the gaze of the media and the judiciary, the adivasis of Bastar are paying a heavy price … for just being there.  An operation is underway in Central India, but no one really knows what it is. Variously described as a media myth, a comprehensive hearts and minds strategy, and an all-out offensive by paramilitary forces and the state forces along the borders of Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Andhra Pradesh...

The Church of England has sold its shares in Vedanta Resources, owned by NRI businessman Anil Agarwal, saying it is unhappy with the way the company is pursuing a project in south Orissa against the wishes of a local tribe. The Church sold its £2.5-million stake today after its representatives visited the Niyamgiri hills in poverty-ridden Kalahandi. The area is considered sacred by the Dongria Kondh tribe. Vedanta intends to mine the...

As minister of statistics and programme implementation, Sriprakash Jaiswal should have the data to quantify how much money can buy. On Tuesday, making yet another pitch for increasing the annual local area fund for MPs, he said: “With prices soaring, Rs 5 crore — what we are seeking — would (be) equivalent to the Rs 2 crore given ten years ago.” His ire was directed at the Planning Commission for...