-The Hindu Concerned over time and quantum of funds to be devolved over the years Even after the Centre accepting the Union Finance Commission’s revenue deficit grant award of Rs. 74,000 crore, the State government is concerned over the time and quantum of funds to be devolved over the years. The concern is largely based on the Centre’s practice of slashing the grant progressively in the previous years. Citing financial constraints, if the...

  A recent report of the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) brings forth the dichotomy between digital divide and India’s transition towards a cashless economy. The rural-urban divide in access to computer and internet is quite stark, according to the report entitled 'Key Indicators of Household Social Consumption on Education in India, July 2017 to June 2018'.   The 75th round National Sample Survey (NSS) report on education finds that...

-The Hindu Utilisation certificates not given for 50% of money sanctioned after 2018 deluge, says Centre The Centre will not allot any additional assistance to Kerala from the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) as it has failed to produce utilisation certificates for 50% of over Rs. 3,000 crore fund allotted to it after the 2018 floods, a senior Home Ministry official said on Thursday. The Kerala government had demanded an additional Rs.2,000 crore...

-The Indian Express While many opposition-ruled states have said they will not participate in NPR, Kerala has officially declared the same. On Monday it issued an official statement to that effect. New Delhi: With the Kerala government declaring that it will not participate in the National Population Register (NPR) exercise slated to begin on April 1, the Centre has said that it will sensitise states to the fact that information being sought...

-Business Standard Natural farming is an alternative to chemical fertiliser-based and high input cost agriculture After decades of intensive agriculture, farms and farmers are in a crisis, food markets remain distorted, and consumers do not have access to nutritious diets. India needs a shift towards sustainable food systems. Among many alternative farming techniques is natural farming, with the potential to improve sustainability and also meliorate government finances. Natural farming is an alternative to...