The number of backward caste members eligible for reservation benefits may see a quantum jump, with the Centre considering a drastic relaxation of the definition of "creamy layer" to enable those with an annual income of Rs 12 lakh in metros qualify for quota benefits. The eligibility level is proposed to be raised to Rs 9 lakh in non-metro cities, marking a two-fold hike from the existing ceiling of Rs 4.5...
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Will a 20 penalty for delays chasten babus? by ND Shiva Kumar
While the Karnataka government's decision to penalize officers if they delay Services is laudable, the penalty itself is too low to act as a deterrent. For instance, an officer in Punjab is fined Rs 500 per day, if he exceeds the stipulated time in delivering service to a citizen, but an officer in Karnataka will be fined a meagre Rs 20 per day. The penalty amount is given to the...
More »Govt neglecting agri-research; more funds sought in 12th plan
-PTI Admitting that the government is neglecting research in the farm sector, the agriculture ministry has sought more funds in the next Five Year Plan (2012-2017) for significant jump in foodgrain production. "I think, we are neglecting agricultural science. The amount of importance that we should be giving, we are not giving, though we have very good scientists," Basu said at an international agri-conference here. "We are decades behind in agriculture science as...
More »Govt notices to 25 hospitals for not reserving beds for poor by Pritha Chatterjee
A review found less than 4 per cent beds were occupied by EWS patients at these hospitals; eight facilities rated ‘excellent’ A performance review of the city’s private hospitals has rated 25 facilities as ‘poor’ on compliance of the order for reserving 10 per cent of the total bed strength for patients from economically weaker sections (EWS). The Health department is now in the process of issuing notices to these hospitals. The...
More »High spending on medicines, health to push Indians into poverty, says WHO
-The Hindu High spending on medicines and health will push many Indians below the poverty line, the World Health Organisation has cautioned. “Due to the out-of-pocket spending of their income on medicines and healthcare Services, about 3.2 per cent of India's population will come below the poverty line,” a senior WHO official said at a meet organised by the Delhi Society for Promotion of Rational Use of Drugs (DSPRUD) and WHO on...
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