-PTI   Jharkhand PCC today welcomed the Union rural development ministry's recommendation for CBI probe into two cases of murder, apparently related to corruption and wage demands in MGNREGA scheme. "There are numerous instances of corruption cases in MGNREGA schemes and the CBI probe will unearth them," PCC general secretary-cum-spokesperson Sailesh Sinha said here. "The recommendation has come as a deterrent to the authorities, who are responsible to implement schemes under MGNREGA," he...

Allegation that Ansari was killed by Naxalites is a ploy: report NEW DELHI: Debunking claims of the Jharkhand government, the Union Ministry of Rural Development has called for a CBI inquiry into the murder of whistle-blower Niyamat Ansari charging that there was an attempt to cover up the murder. It called for “serious action” against Latehar Deputy Commissioner (DC) Rahul Purwar for alleged dereliction of duty and failure to prevent funds...

-The Economic Times,    The BJP today demanded a thorough probe by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) into all corruption cases in Orissa. "All scams that have taken place during the 11-year-rule of Naveen Patnaik should be investigated thoroughly by SIT," BJP's national secretary Kirit Somaya told reporters after releasing a chargesheet against the state government. SIT should be formed to probe scams relating to MGNREGA, dal scandal, mining, water, cheating of farmers,...

-DNA   The ruling BJP-led coalition partner AJSU party today took strong exception to Centre's reported decision to hold back funds under Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Ac (MGNREGA) for Latehar and Bokaro, saying it would hit the poor who get guaranteed employment under the central act. "Funds for any welfare schemes should not be blocked as it affects the livelihood of several people. And not releasing fund under MGNREGA to the...

-PTI   The government’s flagship rural job guarantee scheme is innovative and has achieved quite high coverage but faces challenges like uneven implementation across states and “some evidence” of leakage of funds, a new World Bank report says. The study ‘Social Protection for a Changing India’ also says ensuring higher degree of awareness among people about the process of applying for work under the scheme and a strong monitoring and evaluation system...