-The Guardian The government's decision to allow major infrastructure projects to go ahead without obtaining consent for forest clearance paves the way for the violation of village land rights, say rights groups Land and tribal rights in India have been dealt a new blow after the government announced last week that major infrastructure projects will be exempt from obtaining consent for forest clearance from tribal communities living in the forest, a decision...

-The Guardian Inequity such as that symbolised by Antilla, the world's richest home, thwarts poverty reduction – and policymakers must act If you want a glimpse across the yawning chasm that separates the world's super rich from the ultra poor, there's no better place than Mumbai's Altamount Road. Look up and you'll see Antilla, the world's most expensive home. With spectacular ocean views, swimming and gym facilities, and no fewer than three helipads,...

-The Indian Express The growing influence on policy issues of activists who call themselves “civil society” is a worrying trend and needs to be objectively analysed. Two recent policy pronouncements will illustrate how government seems to be yielding to their pressure. It is well established that absenteeism of teachers and poor quality of outcomes in government schools is the main factor behind the popularity of private schools with poor infrastructure that cater...

-The Times of India The next time you apologize for your home looking like a dump, spare a thought for Shobhraj Kumar. Most people who hurry past the garbage dump at Masjid Moth would find it difficult to stand there for a few minutes because of the all-pervading stench. But for Shobhraj and his family of six, the dump is home. The 62-year-old says he has been living in the 20 sq...

-The Hindu Activists question change of policy for rehabilitation; want cut-off date of March 2007 adhered to strictly Holding the Delhi Government squarely responsible for following a policy of large-scale displacement of Slum Dwellers without adequate norms for providing rehabilitation to all of them, activists working for the rights of Slum Dwellers have demanded that the cut-off date of March 31, 2007, be followed strictly to ensure that no one is discriminated...