-First Post In an interview with Firstpost, Ajay Chhibber, Regional Director of the UNDP, tells us why India ranks low on the Human Development Index, below China, Sri Lanka and Iran, what we need to do to improve our standing and why welfare schemes are not to be blamed for poor growth or inflation. Excerpts from the interview: * Why does India lag other BRIC countries in the HDI ratings? Compared to the other...
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Sickle cell disease killing tribals, dalits in MP -Manjari Mishra
-The Times of India MANDLA/JABALPUR: Tribals in Kundam, a settlement 40 km off Jabalpur, call it a black demon, one who strikes select families and ensures an early and agonizing death by sucking its victims white. For once, medical experts couldn't agree more with this home spun wisdom that aptly describes sickle cell - an incurable genetic disorder which damages vital organs like liver, kidney, heart and spleen. The disease manifest at...
More »'Public purpose' in land grabs-MJ Antony
-The Business Standard States often misuse emergency powers to muzzle protests from owners A new land acquisition law was on the anvil for years. The latest avatar of the Bill, not yet laid on the table of Parliament, is still being re-looked and reworked with nearly 160 changes proposed. Issues are many, like the "public purpose" fig leaf, the consent clause, sharing the compensation payment, resettlement and rehabilitation of the displaced people...
More »Plan to plug lease loophole-Basant Kumar Mohanty
-The Telegraph A government panel has recommended mandatory registration of all lease agreements and power of attorney documents to ensure revenue augmentation. At present, only lease agreements for a year and more need to be compulsorily registered. Registration of power of attorney documents is optional. If the proposal is accepted, it will mean that some of the ubiquitous 11-month rent agreements will lose their sheen. Some landlords prefer the 11-month tenure as registration...
More »EGoM Releases Relief Package of Rs 2,892 Cr for 7 States
-Outlook The Centre today decided to release a relief package of more than Rs 2,892 crore for seven states, including Maharashtra, to help them tackle the impact of droughts, floods and landslides faced last year. The decision was taken at the meeting of the Empowered Group of Ministers (EGoM) on drought, headed by Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar. Briefing the media, Pawar said: "There were number of proposals from various states demanding central assistance...
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