-The Hindu Continuous monitoring of remedial measures planned in tribal hamlets Palakkad (Kerala): Three days after The Hindu reported that malnutrition continues to stalk tribal children in Attappady, various government agencies have decided to collectively combat the menace by not just ensuring nutritious food and medicines to the affected children but also ensuring continuous monitoring of the affirmative actions. Integrated Tribal Development Project (ITDP) Director P.V. Radhakrishnan said on Tuesday that a meeting...

-The Times of India   NEW DELHI: The government is ready with a contingency plan to deal with below normal rains this monsoon with a series of steps including diesel subsidy for farmers in the rain-deficient districts, crop loans at lower rates and release of foodgrains to deal with a possible shortage. Amid reports of below normal rains, the agriculture ministry presented the plan for 500 districts during a meeting called by Prime...

-Down to Earth   Ministry of panchayati raj plans to develop model panchayats in different states through integrated development President Pranab Mukherjee's address to parliamentarians on Monday and the brain-storming sessions carried out by the new prime minister, Narendra Modi, with officials of different ministries indicate changes in the way rural development schemes will be implemented in the country. Each department in the rural development ministry has organised workshops with states to evolve the...

-The Hindu   MGNREGS workers to be roped in for planting mangroves Malappuram (Kerala): The district administration and the civic authorities here seem to have woken up to the realization of conserving mangroves. Beginning this Thursday, which will mark the World Environment Day celebrations, mangroves in some coastal panchayats of Tirur block will be protected and conserved with the help of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) workers. MGNREGS workers will celebrate...

-Down to Earth The move is aimed at stopping various malpractices related to seeking jobs under the scheme Bihar Rural Development Department has issued an order to immediately cancel over 7.25 million unused job cards under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS). There are 1,260 million job-card holders under the scheme in the state. Amrit Lal Meena, principal secretary of the Rural Development Department, told Down to Earth that the...