As NGOs gain traction in public and policy spaces, they face increasing pressure from the political class and citizens to reveal their sources of funding, show impact of their work, and demonstrate who they represent DHAN Foundation in Madurai has had a remarkable run in the southern heartland for over a decade, focusing on livelihoods, water and food security . Its work, particularly in tank-based watershed development, is an exemplar....

Cash transfers are now suggested by many as a silver bullet for addressing the problems that plague India’s anti-poverty programmes. This article argues instead for evidence-based policy and informed public debate to clarify the place, prospects and problems of cash transfers in India. By drawing on key empirical findings from academic and grey literature across the world an attempt is made to draw attention to three aspects of cash transfers...

-The Business Standard   Land acquisition for non-agricultural purposes is one of the oldest policy challenges that modern governments have faced. It is, therefore, not surprising that it has become a major political issue in India as urbanisation spreads, new industries grow and major infrastructure development takes place. To imagine that complex political challenges faced in widely varying agrarian, social and economic contexts can be suitably addressed by one common national...

People in a village in Gujarat have raised a banner of revolt against a proposed nuclear power plant in the state. It comes close on the heels of the ongoing protest against a nuclear plant planned at Jaitapur in neighbouring Maharashtra. Emboldened by Anna Hazare’s support to Gujarat farmers who are resisting handing over their lands to the industries, farmers from six villages in Bhavnagar district have pledged not to allow...

Leaders of political parties extend support to villagers It is a spontaneous people's movement, says Jhadaphia The first bugle of revolt against the proposal to set up a 6000 MW capacity nuclear power plant at Jaspara-Mithi Virdi village in Bhavnagar district in the Saurashtra region of Gujarat was sounded on Friday. The village panchayats of over 50 coastal villages in the district, which apprehend direct impact if the nuclear power plant is set...