-Frontline In a situation of increasing life expectancy and crumbling traditional support structures, a universal social pension scheme that does not rely on contribution by a person or an employer can help the elderly. INDIA prides itself on being a "young" society, likely to benefit from a demographic dividend as children and young people move into working age groups over the next decade. This optimistic view assumes that society will be able...

-The Hindu Compensation sought for those who died of asphyxiation Chennai (Tamil Nadu): Hundreds of members of the Tamil Nadu Untouchability Eradication Front (TNUEF) seeking abolition of manual scavenging were arrested when they picketed the arterial Anna Salai on Tuesday. Their demands included compensation for those died of asphyxiation in manholes, abolition of manual scavenging on the premises of railways and framing of rules under the Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and...

-The Business Standard NGOs have been asked to run MGNREGS in the country's 184 most backward blocks Will handing over the management of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) to non-governmental organisations (NGOs) ensure the scheme works? The rural development ministry seems to think so, at least in Naxal-hit areas. Under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, NGOs are allowed to run the scheme, provided gram panchayats run...

-Outlook Indian Inc today said the outcome of elections in the four states should be seen as a strong message to the government as well as political parties for ensuring corruption-free rule and good governance. "Congress has been shown the door for poor political leadership and unconvincing approach to corruption," said businesswoman Kiran Mazumdar Shaw in a stern message as the poll results pouring in showed rout-like situation for the party in...

-Outlook Mumbai: In an important judgement, the Bombay High Court has ruled that a married daughter is equally entitled to a government job on compassionate grounds on father's demise. Giving job to unmarried daughters of government servants but denying the same benefit to married daughters violates the right to equality, equality of opportunity in matters of public Employment and right to life which are enshrined in the Constitution, the court said. The court...