The accusation of ‘coercive' practices to recover the loans has been laid at the doors of some leading players Micro Finance institutions (MFIs) that are for profits are in the news for the wrong reasons. The ‘for profit' MFIs have grown spectacularly in recent times. But along with the large profits have come allegations of sharp practices. In Andhra Pradesh, where such MFIs have a sizable presence, the climate has now drastically...

India has slipped 10 places to the 88th spot, way below neighbouring China, in the World Prosperity Index due to poor healthcare and education systems coupled with weak entrepreneurial infrastructure. While last year, India stood at 78th position, according to London-based Legatum Institute that compiled the index. China is ranked 58th in the list of 110 countries, which is topped by Norway. Other countries in the top five are Denmark (2), Finland...

In a significant step towards foolproof monitoring of micro finance institutions (MFIs) and gaining first-hand information on multiple lending, excessive rural indebtedness and irregularities in the sector, the state government has constituted four working committees that would integrate various databases of SHG bank linkage, ration cards & borrowers' data being submitted by MFIs on a priority. These committees would create and maintain the website on MFIs and also help in responding...

The United Nations independent expert on the right to education today outlined his priorities, promising to pay attention to gender equality in education, look into quality with a special focus on improving conditions for teachers, and explore innovative education financing mechanisms. Kishore Singh, who was appointed as UN Special Rapporteur on the right to education by the UN Human Rights Council in June, said he would also look into ways of...

In 1957, the Communist Party of Kerala became the first democratically elected communist government in Asia. While many in the West feared that this election would help communism spread across South Asia and make Kerala the "Yan'an of India", the Keralite communists' actions were checked by Jawaharlal Nehru and the Congress party's control of the federal coffers. Instead, from within the political bounds of India's divided government, Kerala initiated what has...