Somesh Jha And Sanjeeb Mukherjee

Stories by Somesh Jha And Sanjeeb Mukherjee

Bitter reminder for BJP that assembly polls are fought on local issues

Bitter reminder for BJP that assembly polls are fought on local issues

Rediff.com   25 Oct 2019

Dissatisfaction with the state leadership, along with caste and sectarian factors and economic issues -- particularly those relating to jobs and rural distress cost the BJP.

Why govt fund and monsoon failed to lift rural economy

Why govt fund and monsoon failed to lift rural economy

Rediff.com   22 Oct 2019

Although demonetisation and improper implementation of GST along with falling prices are being blamed for much of the distress in rural India for some time, experts believe those may not be the only reason.

Why it makes sense for farmers to rear birds

Why it makes sense for farmers to rear birds

Rediff.com   21 Oct 2019

A data shows the number of backyard poultry has risen by 46 per cent between 2012 and 2019. The development is extremely positive because it provides an incentive for small and marginal farmers to rear birds.

Pension schemes: Govt owes Rs 9,100 crore, says EPFO

Pension schemes: Govt owes Rs 9,100 crore, says EPFO

Rediff.com   21 Oct 2019

Part of the dues has been pending since 1995-96 - the inception year of the Employees' Pension Scheme administered by the EPFO. The Centre also owes the EPFO more than Rs 1,000 crore towards the minimum pension scheme it had notified in September 2014.

Why India's milk production has grown at over 6% past few years

Why India's milk production has grown at over 6% past few years

Rediff.com   17 Oct 2019

As the number of cross-bred female cattle rise, the entire concept of lean and flush seasons for milk will go away, as these animals give similar quantities in all seasons.

New-look FRDI bill to offer higher deposit insurance

New-look FRDI bill to offer higher deposit insurance

Rediff.com   17 Oct 2019

The government would be ironing out issues related to the controversial 'bail-in' clause in the earlier Bill, explore hiking the deposit insurance cover of customers, and decide whether the resolution framework should apply to public sector banks.

Sitharaman readies relief package for MSMEs, NBFCs

Sitharaman readies relief package for MSMEs, NBFCs

Rediff.com   15 Oct 2019

PSBs have been requested to reach out to MSMEs to provide bill discounting to them against their dues since they suffer the most from shortage of cash.

In a first, BJP meets SJM, others over joining RCEP

In a first, BJP meets SJM, others over joining RCEP

Rediff.com   8 Oct 2019

The BJP's effort comes in the wake of Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal set to attend the eighth RCEP ministerial meeting in Bangkok from October 10 to 12.

Govt may now cap prices of antibiotics

Govt may now cap prices of antibiotics

Rediff.com   7 Oct 2019

The intention of the government is to cap prices of drugs that are essential and which the public widely uses.

Govt eyes divestment proceeds to tackle fiscal deficit

Govt eyes divestment proceeds to tackle fiscal deficit

Rediff.com   1 Oct 2019

Divestment in BPCL, SCI, Concor, NEEPCO, and THDC would help the Centre keep its fiscal deficit in check in the wake of subdued tax revenues and a Rs 1.45-trillion hit for the exchequer from corporation rate cuts.

Gig workers set to come under labour laws

Gig workers set to come under labour laws

Rediff.com   26 Sep 2019

According to draft Code on Social Security, 2019, gig and platform workers will be entitled to life and disability cover, health and maternity benefits, among others.

PM's economic advisory council may be rejigged

PM's economic advisory council may be rejigged

Rediff.com   25 Sep 2019

Among possible new members, former chief economic advisor Arvind Virmani's name is doing the rounds.

Kharif crop: No major production loss seen

Kharif crop: No major production loss seen

Rediff.com   24 Sep 2019

However, the estimates could change in the coming months, as full impact of excess rainfall and floods on the standing soybean and urad crops in central and western India in late August and September has not yet been fully taken into account.

Did Sitharaman overrule bankers on loan 'mela'?

Did Sitharaman overrule bankers on loan 'mela'?

Rediff.com   21 Sep 2019

PSB chiefs tried to argue that liquidity is in surplus in the system and the problem was related to lack of demand in the economy, instead of banks' reluctance to lend, but 'the FM said it is a perception issue that loan is not available, which we need to dispel,', reports Somesh Jha.

Loan 'melas' are back: PSBs to hold credit meets in 400 districts, says FM

Loan 'melas' are back: PSBs to hold credit meets in 400 districts, says FM

Rediff.com   20 Sep 2019

The NDA government will be following the footsteps of its predecessor, the UPA, which had introduced the concept of "loan mela" to boost credit by directing banks to lend to people through public meetings.

Universal social security coverage to workers junked

Universal social security coverage to workers junked

Rediff.com   20 Sep 2019

In the latest draft of the Code on Social Security Bill, 2019, the government has decided to stick to the current thresholds for providing social security benefits to workers by industry.

How govt plans to boost liquidity in the farm sector

How govt plans to boost liquidity in the farm sector

Rediff.com   17 Sep 2019

It has decided not to levy the 2 per cent tax deducted at source (TDS) on cash payments above Rs 1 crore made through Agricultural Produce Market Committees.

Finance secy Rajiv Kumar to meet PSBs on Sep 19

Finance secy Rajiv Kumar to meet PSBs on Sep 19

Rediff.com   13 Sep 2019

The government is set to ask PSBs to expeditiously introduce repo-rate linked products "to step up affordable credit".

Monsoon withdrawal delayed, might begin after mid-Sep: IMD

Monsoon withdrawal delayed, might begin after mid-Sep: IMD

Rediff.com   11 Sep 2019

This should augur well for the rabi crops as delayed withdrawal will leave enough moisture in the soil for early sowing.

Maximum sowing area for each crop to be notified in a year

Maximum sowing area for each crop to be notified in a year

Rediff.com   6 Sep 2019

Farmers should be encouraged into crops needing less of water, while ensuring a market for what they sow, said ICAR's head.