-The Times of India Faced with fierce criticism over the Planning Commission’s new criteria for poverty line, the Government has asked the Plan panel to revise its affidavit. The Planning Commission had said that that those spending more than Rs. 32 a day in urban areas, or Rs. 26 a day in villages, would no longer be eligible to draw benefits meant for those living below the poverty line. The new tentative...
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Jairam asks Montek to revisit BPL cap by K Balchand
Objecting to the Planning Commission's poverty estimates and worried about the outcome of a case pending before the Supreme Court, the UPA Government on Thursday underlined the need for reworking the BPL (Below the Poverty Line) cap in a bid to do away with any kind of cap, which has become a matter of controversy. Rural Development Minister Jairam Ramesh shot off an eight page e-mail letter to the Deputy Chairman...
More »Ministers, bureaucrats feel the RTI heat as aam aadmi asks uncomfortable questions and dig out Information by CL Manoj
In the corridors of power in Delhi and beyond, a three-letter acronym has left some of the mightiest politicians and officials befuddled, embarrassed and powerless. The RTI, or the Right to Information Act, which compels the government to share information about its functioning with its citizens on demand, has acquired the reputation of a four-letter word among India's rulers. Its lethal nature was on full display this week - it...
More »NAC seeks changes in rural job scheme by Anil Sinha
The challenges that came into the fore after the recent anti-corruption movement seems to have expedited activities within the UPA Government on the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) has decided to review the performance of MGNREGA in states on September 29. The decision was taken in the wake of wide ranging recommendations by Sonia Gandhi-led National Advisory Council (NAC). It seeks to revamp...
More »Note sets slow-bomb ticking by Sanjay K Jha
The 2G note has exposed the deep political rift in the top echelons of the UPA regime, spreading fear among insiders that the row will trigger repercussions within the Congress as well as the government in the coming months. The Congress leadership has decided to fully back the home minister for now but future responses will depend on the assessment of the Supreme Court. The apex court will decide whether P....
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