-The Hindu Growing demand for male children, ‘same-caste’ surrogates   Unregulated fertility clinics indulge in medical malpractices, including physical and economical exploitation of women, a study has shown. Shockingly, preference for male children and demand for ‘same caste’ surrogates are prevalent in India. “Some couples, say about 5 per cent, who come to my clinic demand surrogates from their own caste,” says Nayna Patel, of the Akanksha Fertility Clinic in Anand, Gujarat that has come...

-The Times of India It was a rainy July evening ten years ago. A motley group of villagers from Sutia gathered at the local market to protest the spate of rapes that had left the area terrorized. They were angry but terrified of reprisal. And they did not know if anyone would join the fight. Speaking in hushed tones, they distributed leaflets asking people to join the protest. Some took the...

-PTI Mining of natural resources is the key reason behind exploitation of tribal people and a national policy is required to establish the right of natives on the mineral reserves available in their area, Tribal Affairs Minister V Kishore Chandra Deo said. He also said that though government is aware of this issue, coordination between several ministries and departments is required to take this up with the highest levels. "I don't think anybody...

A cure for India’s health care ills is within reach provided there is political will In most developed — and many developing — countries today, a 12-year school education and universal health coverage (UHC) are the two primary responsibilities of the state. India has failed miserably on both counts. Let us look at some of the problems of medical and health care: • Fifty years ago, when there was no commercialisation of...

-The Hindustan Times Setting a precedent, over 150 khaps from different parts of Haryana held a maha panchayat in Bibipur on Saturday and resolved to wipe out female foeticide from the state. Women khap members also attended the panchayat. Several khap leaders including Sunil Jaglan, sarpanch of Bibipur, Om Prakash Mann, president of the Akhil Bharatiya Jaat Mahasabha, Dharampal Chhot, president of the All India Jaat Arakshan Sangharsh Samiti, and Dr Attar...