On the eve of a massive agitation by Tikait Singh-led Bhartiya Kisan Union, Prime Minister manmohan singh met representatives of the Union and assured them that “farmers interests will be fully protected at all times.” The Prime Minister told the delegation that he would convene a joint meeting with Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee and Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar to have an in-depth discussion on the various issues raised by the BKU...

Indian Prime Minister manmohan singh has admitted in parliament that he made an "error of judgement" when he appointed the head of India's anti-corruption watchdog. Mr Singh said he accepted full responsibility for appointing PJ Thomas as anti-corruption chief last year. Mr Thomas was forced to resign by the Supreme Court last week. The court overturned his appointment on the grounds that he himself faced corruption charges dating from 1992. Mr Thomas denies the...

The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee scheme (MGNREGS) is bringing about a silent revolution in rural areas in this drought-prone district. The Prime Minister, Dr manmohan singh, inaugurated the programme in a remote village, Bandlapalli, in Anantapur district on February 2, 2006. Since then, the scheme has been providing employment to rural youth and checking migration from the district. About 700 residents in Malakavaripalli thanda in Tumula village panchayat in...

Two key issues Budget-2011 is seen as having failed to address are inflation and mass hunger. Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee announced in his budget speech that the long-promised National Food Security Bill would be moved in Parliament “during the course of this year” but failed to make any financial allocation to back up this statement. Against the backdrop of fresh warnings by experts that the outlook is grim given the...

Unlike the 2G telecom scam which he blamed on compromises required for running a coalition government, Prime Minister manmohan singh has accepted responsibility for the Supreme Court striking down the appointment of P J Thomas as chief vigilance commissioner. "I respect the judgment of the Supreme Court and I accept my responsibility," the PM said in Jammu on Friday, admitting that the buck stopped with him since the CVC decision did...