-Newslaundry.com A new study shows how both state and central governments flouted SC orders in drought hit states Thirty three crore people were affected in 10 states by the drought in 2015-16. However, despite Supreme Court orders to provide subsidised food grain and continue mid day meal scheme during summer holidays, the centre and the state governments failed to do so. The court’s order had come on May 13, during the Swaraj...

-The Economic Times NEW DELHI: Both the UPA and the NDA governments clearly agree on at least the subject of mid-day meals. The Manmohan Singh government told off its own minister on the proposal to bring in pre-packaged food in the scheme, the Modi government is set to do so with one of its most prominent chief ministers. The Prakash Javadekar-led Human Resource Development (HRD) ministry is set to shoot down a...

-The Indian Express The CWC has sent a strong note to Water Resources Minister Uma Bharati, complaining against the committee’s recommendations. The employees of the Central Water Commission (CWC) have slammed the Mihir Shah panel, calling its recommendations on water reforms “conceptually flawed”, “anti-development” and something that will result in “disaster of unmatched proportions”. The seven-member expert panel, headed by Mihir Shah, former member of the erstwhile Planning Commission, was appointed by the...

-The New Indian Express THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: After facing subsequent delays, National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013, will be finally rolled out in the state in six months. In a significant decision, the Cabinet on Thursday decided to issue new ration cards - which will see BPL/AAY cards replaced with priority category cards - by December. The Cabinet also cleared a proposal to rank ration card-holders at the state level to determine the priority...

-The Hindu Mihir Shah on the importance of an integrated policy for groundwater and surface water Mihir Shah, water policy expert, member of the erstwhile Planning Commission and in recent months head of several committees tasked with reforming India’s water laws, says existing institutions are inadequate to address our water needs. Which is why, he says in an e-mail interview, India needs an overarching water commission. Excerpts: * The proposed National Water Commission...