-Business Standard The findings of the report, published by Business Standard in November 2019, showed consumer spending falling for the first time in over four decades in 2017-18. Chief economic advisor (CEA) Krishnamurthy Subramanian has asked the National Statistical Commission (NSC) to make public the 2017-18 consumer spending survey data. “The government had decided to not release the consumer expenditure survey report. But, earlier this year, NSC Chairman Bimal Kumar Roy received a...

-The Hindu An immediate universalisation of the PDS, Distribution of quality food items and community kitchens are a few solutions “School-er prarthana sabhar somoy hotat matha ghure pore jaoar ghotona hamesai ghotte dekhi amra. Beshirbhag khetrei ora mid-day-meal khete chaay naa, jiggesh korle bole pete byatha hochhe, Sir (There have been numerous instances during the prayer session in schools where we often observe students feeling sick and falling down out of dizziness....

-The Hindu Business Line Early germination failure of soyabean seeds this July saw farmers join hands against seed companies; farmer organisations and political parties now seem to have thrown in their hats Pune: An increasing number of soybean and onion farmers deciding to develop seed plots, so that they don’t have to buy seeds from private seed companies, has the seed industry worried. Maharashtra agriculture department is encouraging farmers to develop their own...

-The Telegraph The government has not institutionalized SAUs which are at times intimidated when it comes to accessing data on various programmes The auditing agility of government programmes seems to have gained strength. After the recent floods in Assam, the state planned to carry out a social audit of relief measures to look into corruption and bribery. This is the first time that any government is trying to reinforce a social audit...

-PTI/ The Hindu Raipur: Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel on Sunday launched a scheme for Distribution of fortified rice through Public Distribution System (PDS) and other welfare initiatives for the people of Kondagaon district of the State on a pilot basis, an official statement said. While virtually launching the scheme from here on the statehood day, Mr. Baghel said it will help in checking malnutrition and anemia, it said. “The fortified rice is...