The UID project has both ‘security' and ‘developmental' dimensions. The former leads to an invasive state; the latter leaves us with a retreating state. Is identity the “missing link” in India's efforts to rise as an “inclusive” economic superpower? Can an identity-linked and technology-based solution change the face of governance in India? Given the euphoria around the Unique Identification (UID) project, one is tempted to believe so. However, a careful look...

How would you rate the functioning of the RTI Act five years into its enactment? It has been a mixed experience. It is encouraging that we have one of the best laws in the world but its shoddy implementation is taking the sheen away. The two nerve centers of RTI are simplifying the process of filing an application and making the functioning of the Commission effective. The posts of Information Commissioner...

Forest Minister Benoy Viswom on Monday expressed apprehension that the National Green Tribunal Act, enacted by the Centre, would lead to dilution of the Forest (Conservation) Act. In a letter to Union Minister of State for Environment and Forests Jairam Ramesh, Mr. Viswom called upon the Union Minister to convene a conference of State Ministers of forests and environment to discuss issues related to the Act. Concerns Mr. Viswom said while he appreciated...

The state government has written to the Centre for enhancing the wages for MG NREGS  workers so as to meet the revised minimum wages given in the state. The government's letter follows constant demand by the mazdoor satyagrahis, who have been on a dharna near the Statue Circle for the past 17 days, for ensuring that the NREGA is also governed by the Minimum Wages Act. The letter, addressed to the...

As part of its financial outreach programme in tune with national priority, city-based private sector Karnataka Bank Limited is all set to launch KBL-Empower Biometric smart card  at Babbur in Hiriyur taluk of Chitradurga district on Wednesday. P Jayarama Bhat, managing director of the Bank, will launch the card in the presence of Range Gowda, CEO, Chitradurga ZP who will distribute the card to the beneficiaries. With this, the bank is...