-Rediff.com   A former Delhi chief secretary and currently Delhi's public grievance commission chairman has warned the prime minister not to strangle the 'doers' in the bureaucracy and paralyse the government while the 'non-doers' go scot free in the euphoria over ushering in a strong anti-corruption ombudsman.  In an appeal that echoes concern of all senior bureaucrats, Ramesh Narayanaswami sought Dr Manmohan Singh's urgent intervention to ensure the best safeguards possible in the...

Two men threatened to finish off my family, says Ingle The case of death of Nagpur girl Yogita Thakre has taken a new twist with Kishore Ingle, a local activist helping her family, alleging threat to his life and family. A complaint has been registered at a police station in Nagpur. Two persons, wearing monkey caps, arrived on a bike at Mr. Ingle's house late on Friday evening. “They were young. They...

-PTI The Centre has ordered an inquiry against at least 10 non-governmental organisations (NGOs) following reports that they were providing funds received from abroad for fanning political unrest in the country. Government officials said the inquiry has been ordered after the home ministry received information that funds to the tune of crores of rupees received by these NGOs have been given to social activists to stage protests and resort to other agitational...

The anti-corruption movement has enabled the Indian middle class to feel smug about itself. Its members have gone through a vast range of emotions during the last two decades, from self-hatred to self-righteousness. Liberalisation of the economy has created for this class an excitement of many kinds. It has meant the freedom to pursue the quest for wealth without guilt and, at the same time, it has meant feeling set...

The relentless campaign to discredit the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) and diminish the institution is continuing. One is not surprised; this has happened before, for instance in the Bofors case. However, one is dismayed because the campaign, unwittingly aided by some elements in the Media, seems to be succeeding to some extent. It seems urgently necessary to dispel certain doubts and misperceptions before they gain ground and...