-Frontine Walmart’s disclosure that it spent huge amounts of money on lobbying in India and the allegation that it entered the retail sector through indirect means highlight the power of global capital in dictating the country’s policies. The world’s largest multi-brand retailer Walmart’s disclosure to the United States Senate that it had spent $25 million (Rs.135 crore) since 2008 on its various lobbying activities, which include enhancing access to the Indian...

-Frontine The finalised chapter on health in the 12th Plan document envisages a large role for the private sector in health care. A chapter on health prepared for the draft 12th Five Year Plan Document in July received a lot of criticism for its limited understanding of universal health care and its diluted commitment to increase public expenditure on health. If the revised version is any indication, there has not been...

-The Indian Express The Planning Commission has criticised the Railways for failing to attract private sector participation in its multi-crore infrastructure projects and has called for overhauling its management to allow “relevant experts” to be part of its decision making process. In its comments to a recent Cabinet note moved by the Railways to promote participatory models for rail connectivity and capacity augmentation, the commission argued that for the past two years...

-The Times of India The budget session of Parliament could again be stormy with NDA and Left parties coming together to oppose FDI in retail. BJP, CPI and JD(U) on Tuesday said the government may have got the bill passed in Lok Sabha but it should not feel victorious as they would not let it pass in Rajya Sabha. BJP leader Murli Manohar Joshi even said that if NDA came to power, it...

-The Hindustan Times The flagship National Food Security Bill — whose final contours have now emerged —will give 67% of the population, or about 800 million Indians, a legal right to food aid, while in 250 poorest districts of the country, 90% of the people will be covered. Jammu and Kashmir and the eight northeast states will also get 90% coverage since these areas are considered vulnerable to "food shocks". The bill,...