-The Times of India   BANGALORE: A mere 7% of users are aware of some monitoring systems while only 4% know about the toll-free number. That's the state of affairs of the Public Distribution System (PDS) in Karnataka according to the Citizen Report Card of the Public Affairs Centre. Releasing the report which is based on feedback and effectiveness of existing monitoring systems, PAC director R Suresh said over 38% of the vigilance...

It is a citizens’ group working to promote transparency and accountability in government functioning and to encourage active participation of citizens in governance in India. SNS is an independent non-governmental organization and is not affiliated to, or supported by, any political party. It is registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860 as Society for Citizens’ Vigilance Initiative. SNS has pioneered the effort of using the RTI Act for political accountability...

-The Times of India   NEW DELHI: After a WHO urban air quality database released last week sounded alarm bells on the city's extremely high air pollution levels, lieutenant governor Najeeb Jung has set up a high-powered committee to look into air pollution levels. "We cannot allow pollution to grow unchecked. It is our moral responsibility to provide a healthy environment to our citizens. If we have to ensure health of our cities,...

-The Times of India   NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court has ruled that separate toilets for boys and girls as well as drinking water facility were integral to right to education and ordered that all schools, including those run by minority community, must make provision for them. A bench of Justice Dipak Misra and Justice V Gopala Gowda said the May 6 judgment of the 5-judge constitution bench, which had exempted the...

-Frontline   A study on untouchability practices in 1,589 villages in Gujarat provides critical data for the Dalit movement to shape its interventions at the national and international levels. DESPITE laws making it punishable, untouchability continues to exist in the country in a vicious manner. A study titled "Understanding Untouchability: A Comprehensive Study of Practices and Conditions in 1,589 villages", conducted in Gujarat by the Navsarjan Trust, an organisation that promotes the...