The Mamata Banerjee government is likely to request the Centre to amend a legislation to make contract farming “optional”, an approach that leaves some room for manoeuvre and mirrors the concerns expressed by sections of the Left on agro-marketing reforms. Arup Ray, the new minister for agricultural marketing in Bengal, today told The Telegraph that the Trinamul-led government would neither promote contract farming nor allow big players to control the agro-marketing...

-The Times of India   The state government on Wednesday came out with a new public distribution system for the people of Jangalmahal. After holding a meeting with food minister Jyotipriya Mullick, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said that a decision has been taken to provide rice at Rs 2 a kg to all communities in Jangalmahal. "There are many people in Jangalmahal who don't get proper food. Previously, those belonging to...

-The Hindu   Rs.49 crore sanctioned, 31 temporary posts for the purpose Rs.150 to each BPL family as project expense Special Cabinet to work out details of 100-day action plan Chief Minister Oommen Chandy has said the State government is working towards providing Unique Identification (UID) number for all in one year. Briefing reporters after the weekly Cabinet meeting here on Wednesday, the Chief Minister said the Cabinet had sanctioned Rs.49 crore and 31 temporary...

Facing widespread criticism over blatant acquisition of agriculture land across the state at throwaway prices and handing it over to private builders at high rate, UP Chief Minister Mayawati on Thursday announced a new land policy after holding meeting with farmer representatives. As per the new policy, the land acquisition will be done only after signing an agreement with the affected farmers. The government will act as a facilitator in land...

Is it the end of the road for the Lokpal panel? Talks between the government and social activists could be headed for a collapse after they disagreed on all key issues – Anna Hazare's team has threatened a walkout if the prime minister is exempted from the bills ambit. Fearing a repeat of the Anna movement, the government is trying to persuade Baba Ramdev to call off his hunger strike that...