News for 'Administrative Reform Commission'

Terrorism is not a question of law alone: PM

Terrorism is not a question of law alone: PM

Rediff.com24 Sep 2008

Hinting that the government's options were open on the new law, Dr Singh said, "We have not reached a conclusion yet. I have asked a group of officials to study the administrative reforms commission report and then we will decide."

We need enforcement, not anti-terror laws

We need enforcement, not anti-terror laws

Rediff.com18 Sep 2008

Right now what we need, as much as we needed them all along in the life of this nation, is proper law enforcement. Also, the law enforcement has to be done legally. That seems a little odd when said, but that's what we need.

K'taka Cong leaders squabble over CM post as Siddaramaiah faces probe

K'taka Cong leaders squabble over CM post as Siddaramaiah faces probe

Rediff.com8 Sep 2024

A verbal duel of sorts has erupted between two senior ministers -- M B Patil and Shivanand Patil -- about seniority as the yardstick to become the Chief Minister.

Budget: A milestone towards ushering in reforms

Budget: A milestone towards ushering in reforms

Rediff.com1 Mar 2015

The Budget sets out a comprehensive vision.

Govt allocates Rs 928 cr to CBI, down by Rs 40 cr from FY 2024

Govt allocates Rs 928 cr to CBI, down by Rs 40 cr from FY 2024

Rediff.com1 Feb 2024

The agency had received Rs 946.51 crore to manage its affairs in the Budget Estimates for 2023-24, which was later increased to Rs 968.86 crore in the Revised Estimates.

CEC Rajiv Kumar, a strong critic of exit polls, demits office

CEC Rajiv Kumar, a strong critic of exit polls, demits office

Rediff.com18 Feb 2025

Rajiv Kumar, the 25th chief election commissioner of India, has demitted office after a nearly three-year tenure marked by both electoral successes and allegations of bias from opposition parties. Kumar oversaw the 2024 Lok Sabha elections and the Jammu and Kashmir assembly polls, among other major elections. During his tenure, he implemented reforms across various aspects of the Election Commission's functioning, including structural, technological, capacity development, communication, international cooperation, and administration. However, he faced criticism from opposition parties and activists on several issues, including the efficacy of Electronic Voting Machines, alleged fudging of voter data, and being "lenient" on the ruling BJP. While the Commission responded to the allegations, Kumar often defended himself and the poll authority through poetry. In his farewell address, Kumar expressed concerns about the timing of petitions raising doubts over poll processes and the impact of freebie promises on the fiscal health of the state. He also criticized the practice of showing early trends on counting day by news channels, calling it "nonsense". Kumar's tenure was marked by numerous controversies, with opposition parties and activists alleging bias and irregularities. While the Election Commission defended its actions, the allegations cast a shadow over his time in office.

For some...: Ex-CEC reacts to BJP MP's 'Muslim commissioner' attack

For some...: Ex-CEC reacts to BJP MP's 'Muslim commissioner' attack

Rediff.com21 Apr 2025

Quraishi asserted that India has, is and will always stand up and fight for its constitutional institutions and principles.

Just Who Was Mahatma Phule?

Just Who Was Mahatma Phule?

Rediff.com11 Apr 2025

The latest biopic on Jyotibai Phule has come at a time when the Department of Taking Offence is super-active. Utkarsh Mishra feels it will be interesting to see if it portrays his attack on Brahminism in the same 'no holds barred' manner-- and, if it does, what reaction it provokes.

'Media Frenzy Has Ruined Justice Varma's Reputation'

'Media Frenzy Has Ruined Justice Varma's Reputation'

Rediff.com16 Apr 2025

'Presumption of innocence must guide all formal actions, but transparency must not be mistaken for pre-judgment.' 'The cruel irony, however, is that Justice Varma is a fine judge who enjoys a reputation for writing well-reasoned judgments.'

'Retaliatory Tariffs By Us Won't Hurt US'

'Retaliatory Tariffs By Us Won't Hurt US'

Rediff.com22 Apr 2025

'When Prime Minister Modi met President Trump, they agreed to initiate a bilateral trade dialogue.' 'It makes sense to give these negotiations a chance.'

CPI-M veteran V S Achuthanandan turns 100

CPI-M veteran V S Achuthanandan turns 100

Rediff.com20 Oct 2023

Veteran Communist leader and former chief minister V S Achuthanandan, one of the most popular and crowd-puller leaders in the history of the ruling Communist Party of India-Marxist in the state, turned 100 on Friday.

What Ails India's Civil Service

What Ails India's Civil Service

Rediff.com3 Oct 2023

'A large portion of youngsters who aspire to join the civil services are not motivated by the spirit of public service and idealism of which the civil services offer in abundance.' 'When they join the mandarin club they look for the loaves and fishes of office, rather than make a difference and wipe what Mahatma Gandhi called 'every tear from every Indian',' points out Rup Narayan Das.

IOC blames Russia for Paris Olympics gender row

IOC blames Russia for Paris Olympics gender row

Rediff.com15 Mar 2025

A gender row involving two female boxers at the Paris 2024 Olympics was the result of a Russian fake news campaign, said International Olympic Committee (IOC) president Thomas Bach.

Avoid travel, minimise movement: Indians in B'desh advised amid violence

Avoid travel, minimise movement: Indians in B'desh advised amid violence

Rediff.com18 Jul 2024

The clashes erupted on Monday as activists of ruling Awami League's student front confronted the protestors who insist the existing quota system was largely debarring the enrolment of meritorious students in government services. Demonstrators accused the ruling party's student wing, Bangladesh Chhatra League of attacking their "peaceful protests" with backing from police.

Waqf bill: Govt says no interference in Muslims; Oppn objects

Waqf bill: Govt says no interference in Muslims; Oppn objects

Rediff.com2 Apr 2025

Introducing the bill, Rijiju said the consultation process of the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) was the largest ever exercise carried out by a parliamentary panel in India's democratic history.

Hasina's dictatorship destroyed every Bangladeshi institution: Yunus

Hasina's dictatorship destroyed every Bangladeshi institution: Yunus

Rediff.com18 Aug 2024

The chief adviser alleged elections held under Hasina's regime were "rigged blatantly and generations of young people grew up without exercising their voting rights."

'Centre shouldn't behave like big brother with states'

'Centre shouldn't behave like big brother with states'

Rediff.com1 Jun 2021

'Just because there is some misunderstanding, you cannot recall the chief secretary.' 'This is not a good development. This is an assault on federalism.'

What a relief! Sarkari paperwork to be made easy

What a relief! Sarkari paperwork to be made easy

Rediff.com15 Jul 2014

In what may come as a major relief to citizens, the government has decided to do away with the necessity of filing affidavits from a gazetted officer or a notary for a big chunk of government-related work and instead to promote self-attestation of documents.

'Prime Minister Modi Has Been Fiscally Conscious'

'Prime Minister Modi Has Been Fiscally Conscious'

Rediff.com5 Feb 2025

'Spend, but create assets, spend but make sure that people benefit from it.' 'This has been a beautiful guiding principle. And I think as a finance minister I owe so much to the prime minister for keeping this path clear before us.'

Big reforms? Modi govt still lags behind

Big reforms? Modi govt still lags behind

Rediff.com23 Nov 2015

A government that confuses PowerPoints for policy is delaying structural change too much.

Will introspect and rebuild the party: Supriya Sule

Will introspect and rebuild the party: Supriya Sule

Rediff.com25 Nov 2024

Nationalist Congress Party-Sharadchandra Pawar working president Supriya Sule has said her party, which won just 10 seats in the Maharashtra assembly elections, will introspect over the poll results and pledged to work towards a capable, inclusive and progressive state.

Veteran Communist leader and ex-Kerala CM Achuthanandan turns 98

Veteran Communist leader and ex-Kerala CM Achuthanandan turns 98

Rediff.com20 Oct 2021

Veteran Communist leader and former Chief Minister of Kerala, V S Achuthanandan turned 98 on Wednesday.

Jaitley keen to overhaul financial sector norms

Jaitley keen to overhaul financial sector norms

Rediff.com29 Nov 2014

The Financial Sector Legislative Reforms Commission, chaired by Justice B N Srikrishna, has suggested a non-sectoral, principle-based approach to revamp the existing framework.

Students who toppled Hasina launch party, say no room for pro-India politics

Students who toppled Hasina launch party, say no room for pro-India politics

Rediff.com28 Feb 2025

The Anti-Discrimination Student Movement (SAD), which led protests against Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, has launched itself as a political party called the National Citizen Party (NCP). The new party, which aims to 'dismantle constitutional autocracy' and establish a 'second republic,' has pledged to create a 'solely Bangladesh-oriented' political system, with no room for 'pro-India and pro-Pakistan politics.' The NCP's inaugural rally was attended by representatives of various political parties, including the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), Jamaat-e-Islami, and envoys from the Vatican and Pakistan.

Women We Admire: India's Brave Ranis

Women We Admire: India's Brave Ranis

Rediff.com6 Mar 2025

This Women's Day Week, we pay tribute to the extraordinary courage, resilience, and leadership of three iconic Indian queens -- Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi, Rani Chennamma of Kittur, and Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar of Malwa.

And Thus Was Born NIA...

And Thus Was Born NIA...

Rediff.com8 Aug 2024

Even though the NIA claims that more than 90 per cent of cases charge-sheeted have ended in conviction, the figure is likely misleading. To date, very few cases investigated by the NIA have resulted in a completed trial, points out former CBI joint director Navneet Rajan Wasan.

Don't use retro amendment of tax laws to raise revenue: Shome

Don't use retro amendment of tax laws to raise revenue: Shome

Rediff.com20 Nov 2013

Amid long-pending dispute between the UK-based telecom giant Vodafone and the tax authorities in India, Finance Minister's advisor Parthasarathi Shome on Wednesday said the government should not use retrospective amendment of tax laws to raise revenues.

'Kamala Has A Very Strong Connect With India'

'Kamala Has A Very Strong Connect With India'

Rediff.com6 Nov 2024

'This victory would mean a huge inspiration for the next generation who can say that coming from India I can be anybody I want to be if I work hard and acquire the right skills.' 'They could be the next President, members of the Senate, or another Sundar Pichai.'

World Boxing chief's clarion call to save Olympic dream

World Boxing chief's clarion call to save Olympic dream

Rediff.com9 Sep 2024

The Asian Boxing Confederation last month decided to stay with the IBA.

'GST structure is complex'

'GST structure is complex'

Rediff.com12 Mar 2015

A well-functioning GST will enhance tax compliance and boost growth: IMF

'God Save Insurance Industry'

'God Save Insurance Industry'

Rediff.com9 Dec 2024

'Some of the astounding proposals, if translated into statutory provisions, would be suicidal.' 'This would not be a wonder cure for increasing insurance penetration and only result in mushrooming growth of players like paan kiosks with deleterious consequences.'

'Politicians want authority without responsibility'

'Politicians want authority without responsibility'

Rediff.com5 Nov 2013

Security of tenure is important for a bureaucrat to work efficiently. There has to be some rationale behind posting a bureaucrat to a particular department, says former cabinet secretary T S R Subramanian

Can less paper counter corporate espionage?

Can less paper counter corporate espionage?

Rediff.com27 Feb 2015

Leaks of documents are neither new nor limited to particular ministries.

Ex-bureaucrat who oversaw Article 370 abrogation picked as new EC

Ex-bureaucrat who oversaw Article 370 abrogation picked as new EC

Rediff.com14 Mar 2024

Addressing reporters at his residence soon after the meeting ended, Chowdhury said six names came up before the panel for the selection of the two ECs and the names of Sandhu and Kumar were finalised by a majority of members of the high-powered panel.

Move away from fixed tax targets: Shome

Move away from fixed tax targets: Shome

Rediff.com6 May 2014

A tax reforms panel, headed by finance minister's advisor Parthasarathi Shome, is considering moving away from setting fixed tax-collection targets and linking these with the changing economic scenario during the year.

T N Seshan, who gave teeth to Election Commission, is dead

T N Seshan, who gave teeth to Election Commission, is dead

Rediff.com11 Nov 2019

The legendary Seshan was not keeping good health for the past couple of years and he passed away at about 9.30 pm, a senior police official told PTI.

A Tale Of Two Modi Decisions

A Tale Of Two Modi Decisions

Rediff.com11 Sep 2024

Why did the political system in the country react to these two decisions of the Modi government in a diametrically opposite manner? asks A K Bhattacharya.