-Association for Democratic Reforms Press Release   New Delhi: The amendment made in the RTI Act by the Parliament that proposed to keep political parties outside its ambit has been approved by the Parliamentary Committee, entrusted with the task of reviewing it despite much opposition from civil society organizations and citizens. In a landmark decision on June 3, 2013, the Central Information Commission (CIC) pronounced that the political parties (INC, BJP, CPM,...

-The Times of India MUMBAI: After Parliament's assent to the Lokpal Bill, India Inc has engaged legal eagles and consultants to examine its ramifications. At first glance, it appears that nothing much changes for the corporate sector, which is governed by anti-corruption legislations such as the Indian Penal Code or The Prevention of Corruption Act. Besides, as business is now global, anti-corruption laws of other countries also apply. Yet, with the bill...

The newly released disability data from Census 2011 shows that in a country of 2.68 crore disabled, nearly 69.5 percent stay in rural areas. Back in 2001, about 75 percent of the country's disabled resided in rural areas. The population of rural disabled persons has increased from about 1.64 crore in 2001 to 1.86 crore in 2011 i.e. by 13.7 percent. However, the population of urban disabled persons has increased...

-Vikalp The recently concluded Bali Ministerial marks an important milestone in the WTO negotiations. The National Food Security Act, 2013 in India has brought the issue of food security and hunger within developing countries to the forefront of the negotiations in the WTO. In this context, the G-33 proposal addressing the issue of non-recognition of food security concerns of developing countries within the global trade rules reflected a meaningful unity within...

-The Indian Express Expressing disappointment over the inordinate delay on part of Parliament in introducing the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Bill, disability rights groups are planning to hold candlelight vigils in various parts of the country and outside the Vice President's house as a sign of protest. "Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment had given an assurance that the Bill would be introduced in the winter session of Parliament. The Union...