-The Hindu Considering the knowledge of English as a mark of social advancement and that of the vernacular as backwardness disenfranchises significant sections of society In a village in Ghazipur district that borders Varanasi, there is a young man who teaches English and "personality development" to the sons and daughters of local shopkeepers, farmers and truck drivers. The classes are held from 6 to 8 in the morning and again in the...

-The Hindu   Despite apparent similarities, the reports of two centrally appointed committees are split on the relationship between knowledge, skills and social needs Two major reports with overlapping concerns were submitted to the central government during the last decade. They were drafted by committees appointed by two different offices of the same government. One was chaired by Yash Pal, and the other by Sam Pitroda. The titles of the two committees indicated...

-The Telegraph Sualkuchi: The sound of wood striking wood was missing, as was the sight of intricate and colourful patterns on silk taking shape on the loom. This silk town, around 35km from Guwahati and on the North Bank of the Brahmaputa, seemed to have lost its raison d'etre - producing silk products of fame - after the invasion of similar products bearing the name of another town on the bank of...

-The Times of India AURANGABAD: The khadi and paithani department of the Mahatma Gandhi Mission (MGM) trust is planning to spread its wings in rural areas of the state by employing women to operate handlooms in Akola district and its neighbouring four villages. The objective behind this initiative is to promote and popularize khadi among youth. Through this mission, the department has come up with the idea of producing khadi jeans to...

-The Business Standard Chhattisgarh Government defines Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) and will provide 50 days additional employment to the beneficiaries in the state. The 100-day ceiling of guaranteed employment for the rural people would not be a bar in Chhattisgarh from now. The state government would provide job for additional 50 days---ensuring that the card holder of MGNREGA would get 150 days secured employment. "The proposal to increase MGNREGA...