-Frontline The inability to resolve pressing problems with respect to the production, distribution and availability of food is one of the important failures of the entire economic reform process. IN the fateful month of July 1991, when the devaluation of the Indian rupee presaged the introduction of a whole series of liberalising economic reforms, agriculture was very far from the minds of most policymakers and commentators. The immediate focus was on...

-The Hindu New Delhi: The measures come a year after the setting up of a "High Power Committee" following a series of media reports criticising the government for being indifferent toward traffic congestion in Delhi. The Ministry of Urban Development on Sunday announced a package of Rs. 19,762 crore for decongestion of the national capital and recommended a set of stringent measures, including the introduction of a Congestion Tax. “The explosive growth in...

-The Times of India NEW DELHI: A high-powered government appointed panel on "Decongestion of Traffic in Delhi" has recommended disincentivizing use of private vehicles through deterrent parking pricing and congestion tax. It has also recommended no more huge investment in building flyovers and signal-free corridors. The panel has recommended Rs 20,000 crore interventions through BRTS, buses, walking and cycling infrastructure. Headed by urban development secretary Rajiv Gauba, the committee has noted that 21...

-Down to Earth A recent report shows how energy requirement of women differ in various states and in different occupations and how limiting the current scenarios are SEWA Bharat and SELCO Foundation together formed a “Stree Shakti Consortium” to promote the inclusion of women in energy access supply chain. The consortium, yesterday, conducted a workshop to present a report called “Energy Access and Women's Livelihood” that articulates on-ground stories of 300...

-The Hindu Business Line There’s room for more awareness and organisation, but the number of people benefiting from fair price shops is growing Poor people in India depend heavily on the public distribution system. A recent survey by the National Council of Applied Economic Research found that more than 90 per cent ration card-holders in Below Poverty Line (BPL) / Priority Households (PHH) and the Antyodaya Anna Yojna category purchase foodgrain at...