-The Telegraph Patna: Districts in Bihar would soon have dedicated officials who would be responsible for overseeing the implementation of the schemes run under Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). The officials would be known as district programme officer (DPO). "The appointments are going to be made for smooth running of schemes under MGNREGA and all the works related to these schemes would be supervised and coordinated by these officials," a...

-The Hindu Business Line Because they are wealthier and have a lower population than northern States New Delhi: The southern States are less dependent on transfers from the Centre than many of their northern peers, but a cut in transfers could leave their fiscal situation precariously poised and upset some of their expenditure plans. That is exactly what they fear will happen when the 15th Finance Commission uses the 2011 population data —...

-PTI The Finance Ministers conclave would push for the 2011 population weightage to remain at 10% Amaravati: Finance ministers of six States, including host Andhra Pradesh, will meet on Monday to discuss the terms of reference of the 15th Finance Commission and its fallout for States. Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu will inaugurate the day-long conclave at the Secretariat at 10 am, state Finance Minister Yanamala Ramakrishnudu said in a statement on Sunday. Andhra...

-The Economic Times The World Bank will provide a USD 200 million loan to help the government achieve its goal of reducing stunting in children 0-6 years of age. NEW DELHI: The World Bank will provide a USD 200 million loan to help the government achieve its goal of reducing stunting in children 0-6 years of age from 38.4 per cent to 25 per cent by the year 2022, a finance ministry...

-The Times of India BHUBANESWAR: In an unprecedented move described by industrialist Ratan Tata as ‘earth-shaking’, and which prompted Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik to take recourse to British author Aldous Huxley, Odisha on Monday provided land rights certificates to 2,000 landless slum dwellers and promised to develop modern urban habitats complete with roads, street lights, parks and playgrounds for them. The initiative is the culmination of the Odisha Land Rights to Slum...