Somesh Jha &Amp; Subhayan Chakraborty

Stories by Somesh Jha &Amp; Subhayan Chakraborty

Work can wait, family can't, say stranded migrants

Work can wait, family can't, say stranded migrants

Rediff.com   16 Apr 2020

Daily wagers are running out of resources, including ration and cash, and the state governments might not be able to sustain their needs for a longer period of time, given the lockdown has already been extended until May 3.

The coming vegetable crisis

The coming vegetable crisis

Rediff.com   12 Apr 2020

There have been several instances of traders dumping fruits and vegetables outside mandis. Or of farmers dumping produce outside their villages or feeding them to their animals.

60 officers to address worker issues during shutdown

60 officers to address worker issues during shutdown

Rediff.com   12 Apr 2020

The labour ministry has made public a list of 60 officers -- essentially labour commissioners in 20 regions across the country -- along with their e-mail address and contact numbers. They will deal with distress calls from workers who are working under the 'central sphere'.

Why India may defeat coronavirus

Why India may defeat coronavirus

Rediff.com   12 Apr 2020

'What is hindering us is the fear for the disease.' 'For those below the age of 55 years, it's a mild disease.' 'So take care of yourself, your family and your parents.'

In Noida's mega industrial zone, even essential businesses struggle to open

In Noida's mega industrial zone, even essential businesses struggle to open

Rediff.com   10 Apr 2020

Up to 95 per cent of units in the Noida-Greater Noida mega industrial zone are currently shut.

Govt begins mapping migrant workers to work out relief package

Govt begins mapping migrant workers to work out relief package

Rediff.com   10 Apr 2020

The Union home ministry and the labour ministry have asked state governments to coordinate with the chief labour commissioner's (CLC's) office to give a comprehensive data of all the migrant workers by April 11.

Government takes up pay cut, layoffs with India Inc

Government takes up pay cut, layoffs with India Inc

Rediff.com   6 Apr 2020

A senior official in the central labour commissioner's office said the efforts of the government were to resolve the cases amicably and not to press for legal action against employers. "Everyone is going through tough times. We could initiate legal action if we want but that's not the idea. We want to address the issues amicably," the official said.

Millions of job at stake, apparel exporters hit panic button

Millions of job at stake, apparel exporters hit panic button

Rediff.com   4 Apr 2020

Even as the industrial cycle has ground to a halt during the 21-day lockdown, the industry has been hit hard by foreign orders from major clients in the US and Europe being cancelled. Also, a sudden lack of labour has crippled the sector because of a mass exodus of workers from industrial units to the hinterland.

Revealed: Politics behind the long walk home

Revealed: Politics behind the long walk home

Rediff.com   31 Mar 2020

The Centre and state governments bonded and then fell apart during the longest lockdown walk.

Customs allows e-clearance for moving laptops

Customs allows e-clearance for moving laptops

Rediff.com   27 Mar 2020

The Customs clearance required for moving equipment like laptops, desktops, etc out of SEZ units was delaying things as the clearance had to be taken in person after a first level of approval online.

Why migrant labourers have little choice but to head home

Why migrant labourers have little choice but to head home

Rediff.com   26 Mar 2020

Around 81 per cent of the workers constitute the unorganised sector - devoid of any social security cover and outside the purview of a complex set of labour laws.

Coronavirus: India Inc's 5-point wishlist for Modi

Coronavirus: India Inc's 5-point wishlist for Modi

Rediff.com   24 Mar 2020

Business leaders, among others, ask govt to let go of fiscal target, seek stimulus, and direct cash transfer.

Bonanza for around 30 mn industrial workers

Bonanza for around 30 mn industrial workers

Rediff.com   11 Mar 2020

The Seventh Pay Commission had decided to choose the CPI-IW as the index for adjusting inflation for central government employees.

'We are being told a server crash stalled the ATMs'

'We are being told a server crash stalled the ATMs'

Rediff.com   7 Mar 2020

Across Yes Bank branches, the busiest people were the relationship managers, trying to soothe nerves. Many were seen advising clients the situation was only temporary and that their money was safe.

Have traders lost faith in Modi government?

Have traders lost faith in Modi government?

Rediff.com   2 Mar 2020

CAIT has attributed its displeasure to the economic downturn, and indifferent attitude of ministers/officials towards domestic trade.

Coronavirus: India mulls imposing duties on Chinese imports

Coronavirus: India mulls imposing duties on Chinese imports

Rediff.com   1 Mar 2020

The issue is set to be discussed early next week as the commerce department meets with industry bodies to discuss the widening supply gap for key imports.

Major boost for electronic giants, as SEZs clear local sourcing test

Major boost for electronic giants, as SEZs clear local sourcing test

Rediff.com   27 Feb 2020

While 100 per cent FDI is allowed in single-brand retail, if the foreign investment exceeds 51 per cent, the 30 per cent mandatory local sourcing norm kicks in.

India to go slow on trade deal with US

India to go slow on trade deal with US

Rediff.com   27 Feb 2020

Trump had said a comprehensive trade agreement with India would take much longer to finalise than earlier expected.

RBI to rejig financial year in line with government's

RBI to rejig financial year in line with government's

Rediff.com   16 Feb 2020

Taking advantage of the RBI's different accounting year, the Centre had started demanding an interim dividend till the time the latter's final balance sheet is prepared (usually in August). To address this anomaly, an expert committee led by former RBI governor Bimal Jalan had recommended aligning the RBI's financial year with that of the government.

Coronavirus: Over 50,000 Indians stuck in China

Coronavirus: Over 50,000 Indians stuck in China

Rediff.com   14 Feb 2020

While many are getting stranded because of lack of clarity regarding the visa rules following the novel coronavirus outbreak, others are stranded in transit as even OCI cardholders are being turned away