News for 'Panchayat Raj'

Oath-taking only in name of god or by solemn affirmation: Kerala HC

Oath-taking only in name of god or by solemn affirmation: Kerala HC

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

The Kerala high court has ruled that elected local body representatives must take their oath strictly as prescribed by law, invalidating oaths that included names beyond "God" or solemn affirmation. The court directed affected councillors to retake their oaths within four weeks, clarifying that while their elections remain valid, actions by a panchayat member whose oath was invalid are also invalid.

Digital Marketplace To Empower Jharkhand's Rural Women

Digital Marketplace To Empower Jharkhand's Rural Women

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

Jharkhand has partnered with CSC eStore to create a digital marketplace for products made by women's self-help groups (SHGs). This initiative aims to expand market access, boost income for rural women, and strengthen the rural economy through e-commerce and digital governance. The state also plans to extend Aadhaar services to all panchayats by November 15.

A Sarpanch Who Is Changing Lives

A Sarpanch Who Is Changing Lives

Rediff.com15 Aug 2026

Smriti Singh was alarmed to learn that several girls and women in her village were using ash, wheat stubble and tattered rags during menstruation because they could not afford or access sanitary pads.

K'taka panchayat official suspended for taking part in RSS event

K'taka panchayat official suspended for taking part in RSS event

Rediff.com18 Oct 2025

A Panchayat Development Officer in Raichur district, Karnataka, has been suspended for allegedly participating in an RSS event. The suspension follows a government decision to prohibit private organizations' activities in government institutions and public places, particularly targeting RSS Shakhas.

Ranbir Kapoor Is Lord Ram; Who's Playing Whom In Ramayana?

Ranbir Kapoor Is Lord Ram; Who's Playing Whom In Ramayana?

Rediff.com4 Aug 2026

From Arun Govil and Shobana to Vivek Oberoi and Kajal Aggarwal, meet the sprawling supporting cast bringing Nitesh Tiwari's Ramayana to life.

Goa nightclub fire: Sarpanch disqualified, panchayat secretary axed

Goa nightclub fire: Sarpanch disqualified, panchayat secretary axed

Rediff.com1 Jan 2026

Goa government takes action against officials after a magisterial inquiry reveals negligence in connection with a nightclub fire that killed 25 people.

FIR Filed Against Ballia Village Head, Two Officers Over Fund Embezzlement

FIR Filed Against Ballia Village Head, Two Officers Over Fund Embezzlement

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

An FIR has been registered against a village head and two village development officers in Ballia, Uttar Pradesh, for alleged embezzlement of over Rs 15.5 lakh in development funds following a complaint and subsequent probe.

The 10 Best Indian Films Of 2026 So Far

The 10 Best Indian Films Of 2026 So Far

Rediff.com8 Jul 2026

From Ikkis to Balan: The Boy, these are the 10 Indian films that truly deserved the loudest applause in the first half of 2026.

From Ramayana to King: 20 Most Anticipated Indian Films Of 2026

From Ramayana to King: 20 Most Anticipated Indian Films Of 2026

Rediff.com7 Jul 2026

From Ramayana Part 1 and Alpha to King and Toxic, here's why the next six months could be one of Indian cinema's most exciting line-ups in years.

Punjab Municipal Polls Set For May 26: Key Details

Punjab Municipal Polls Set For May 26: Key Details

Rediff.com11 May 2026

The Punjab State Election Commissioner has announced that elections for 105 municipal bodies, including eight municipal corporations, will be held on May 26, with vote counting on May 29. The Model Code of Conduct is now in effect, and over 35,000 police personnel will be deployed to ensure safety.

AAP MLA Booked After Slapping Incident In Gujarat

AAP MLA Booked After Slapping Incident In Gujarat

Rediff.com29 Apr 2026

Three FIRs have been registered against AAP MLA Chaitar Vasava following a slapping incident and related events after a fire at a chemical factory in Jhagadia, Gujarat.

Delhi Villages To Get Land Ownership Rights: What It Means

Delhi Villages To Get Land Ownership Rights: What It Means

Rediff.com20 Apr 2026

Residents of 31 villages in Delhi will soon receive ownership rights to their residential land within 'Lal Dora' limits, according to South Delhi BJP MP Ramvir Singh Bidhuri. Property cards will be issued to landowners, enabling them to secure bank loans.

Goa nightclub fire: 'Flagged illegalities for years, but...'

Goa nightclub fire: 'Flagged illegalities for years, but...'

Rediff.com10 Dec 2025

The original owner of the land where the Goa nightclub fire occurred claims he had flagged illegalities and fought a legal battle for 20 years.

Karnataka govt cook sacked for joining RSS march

Karnataka govt cook sacked for joining RSS march

Rediff.com22 Oct 2025

The Karnataka government has relieved an assistant cook at a hostel run by the Backward Classes Welfare department in Basavakalyana after he allegedly participated in a route march organised by the RSS. This follows a complaint and is in line with rules barring government employees from participating in politically affiliated organizations.

Goa nightclub built illegally on salt pan, no licence: Probe report

Goa nightclub built illegally on salt pan, no licence: Probe report

Rediff.com1 Jan 2026

A magisterial inquiry report reveals that the Goa nightclub where a deadly fire killed 25 people was built illegally on salt pan and operated without a valid trade license, indicating serious lapses and collusion at multiple official levels.

Hrithik Roshan Gets Ready To Storm Us With His Mess On OTT

Hrithik Roshan Gets Ready To Storm Us With His Mess On OTT

Rediff.com20 Mar 2026

Amazon Prime Video promises big releases coming up this year!

Congress sets sights on 100-seat comeback in Kerala polls

Congress sets sights on 100-seat comeback in Kerala polls

Rediff.com4 Jan 2026

AICC general secretary K C Venugopal announced the Congress party's goal to win 100 seats in the upcoming Kerala Assembly elections. He highlighted the party's strategy, including early candidate selection, opportunities for youth, and addressing alleged alliances between CPI(M) and BJP.

RSS route march denied nod in Priyank Kharge's constituency

RSS route march denied nod in Priyank Kharge's constituency

Rediff.com19 Oct 2025

Authorities in Chittapur, Karnataka, have denied permission for an RSS route march citing potential disruption of peace and law and order, amidst rising tensions and counter-protests.

'Roads, bridges kill, water kills': Rahul on Noida techie death

'Roads, bridges kill, water kills': Rahul on Noida techie death

Rediff.com20 Jan 2026

Gandhi shared a video carrying the remarks of an eyewitness, who said timely action could have saved the man, and that of the deceased's father, who lamented that there were several people there with some of them making videos but did not act to save his son.

'Devendra Fadnavis Is King of Kings'

'Devendra Fadnavis Is King of Kings'

Rediff.com19 Jan 2026

'If the BJP had contested all 227 seats, I believe they would have managed to secure a majority on their own.'

'Uddhav Has Emerged As Mumbai's Tiger'

'Uddhav Has Emerged As Mumbai's Tiger'

Rediff.com21 Jan 2026

'Marathi-speaking people of Mumbai have now emerged as a consolidated vote bank standing firmly behind the Thackerays.'

'Nothing Wrong If We Rewrite The Constitution'

'Nothing Wrong If We Rewrite The Constitution'

Rediff.com20 May 2025

'The time has come to have a relook at the Constitution as every document has a shelf life.'

Is MVA staring at another setback in civic body elections?

Is MVA staring at another setback in civic body elections?

Rediff.com23 Dec 2025

The Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) faces a crucial test in the upcoming municipal corporation elections in Maharashtra after being defeated by the BJP-led Mahayuti in recent local polls. Political observers are calling the upcoming contest for 29 municipal corporations, including Mumbai, a mini assembly election.

'Fadnavis Encouraged Thackerays To Unite'

'Fadnavis Encouraged Thackerays To Unite'

Rediff.com24 Dec 2025

'This will split the Marathi and Shiv Sena vote.' 'The BJP has conducted 3 surveys indicating they shall secure 109 seats in the BMC.' 'They do not wish for the Shinde Sena to demonstrate excessive strength in the BMC.' 'If the Thackerays secure 60-70 seats, that will affect Shinde's seats.'

Cong divided over tie-up with MNS for Mumbai civic polls

Cong divided over tie-up with MNS for Mumbai civic polls

Rediff.com22 Nov 2025

State Congress chief Harshwardhan Sapkal has reiterated that the party would never join hands with "those who indulge in violence".

Maha set for major civic battle in Mumbai, 28 bodies on Jan 15

Maha set for major civic battle in Mumbai, 28 bodies on Jan 15

Rediff.com15 Dec 2025

Votes will be counted on January 16 and the outcome will be keenly watched as the BJP-led Mahayuti will seek to stamp its supremacy in urban landscape, especially in Mumbai, while the Opposition parties will try to redeem themselves after last year's rout in assembly polls.

Nationwide Stir Against Scrapping MGNREGA

Nationwide Stir Against Scrapping MGNREGA

Rediff.com18 Dec 2025

Civil society groups, led by the NREGA Sangharsh Morcha, are planning a nationwide protest -- similar to the farmers' stir a few years ago -- starting December 19 demanding scrapping of the new Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Aajeevika Mission.

Nitish disburses Rs 10,000 to 25 lakh women; 1 cr benefit

Nitish disburses Rs 10,000 to 25 lakh women; 1 cr benefit

Rediff.com3 Oct 2025

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar disbursed Rs 2,500 crore to 25 lakh beneficiaries of the 'Mukhyamantri Mahila Rojgar Yojana', raising to one crore the number of women to have received Rs 10,000 each under the self-employment scheme.

Siddaramaiah re-allocates portfolios to Kharge, Patil

Siddaramaiah re-allocates portfolios to Kharge, Patil

Rediff.com31 May 2023

Kharge will take care of IT & BT along with existing portfolio, while Large & Medium Industries Minister M B Patil has been given the additional charge of Infrastructure Development.

Over 2 kids, no panchayat post: SC

Over 2 kids, no panchayat post: SC

Rediff.com30 Jul 2003

The apex court has upheld a Haryana legislation disqualifying a gram panchayat member from becoming a sarpanch if he or she had more than two living children.

'Systemic failure': SC steps in after dog attacks, orders relocation drive

'Systemic failure': SC steps in after dog attacks, orders relocation drive

Rediff.com7 Nov 2025

The Supreme Court has directed authorities to relocate stray dogs from institutional areas like schools and hospitals to designated shelters due to a rise in dog bite cases. The court also addressed the issue of stray animals on highways.

How 33% reservation empowered women at panchayat level

How 33% reservation empowered women at panchayat level

Rediff.com24 Sep 2023

In the three decades since reservation of seats for women in panchayati raj institutions was introduced, the country saw women dismantling gender barriers to take the lead in the political field at the grassroots level and excel in it.

'Nitish Kumar Is Amitabh Bachchan Of Bihar Politics'

'Nitish Kumar Is Amitabh Bachchan Of Bihar Politics'

Rediff.com17 Nov 2025

'This election was won because of Nitish Kumar's face and his policies.'

'If you can't speak English...': HC slams Nainital ADM

'If you can't speak English...': HC slams Nainital ADM

Rediff.com26 Jul 2025

The Uttarakhand high court has asked two top officials of the state to find out whether an officer who has no knowledge of English can effectively control an executive position after an additional district magistrate responded in Hindi during the hearing of a public interest litigation (PIL).

'We Forced NDA To Talk About Jobs'

'We Forced NDA To Talk About Jobs'

Rediff.com13 Nov 2025

'When the BJP wanted the election to focus on 'ghuspathiya' and promises that look like pies in the sky, we forced them to talk about jobs, giving free 125 units of power, and addressing women's indebtedness.'

Nana Patole replaced, Maharashtra Cong gets new chief

Nana Patole replaced, Maharashtra Cong gets new chief

Rediff.com13 Feb 2025

Former MLA Harshwardhan Sapkal has been appointed as the new president of the Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC), tasked with reviving the party in the state after its crushing defeat in the last year's assembly polls. Sapkal, a veteran politician, replaces Nana Patole, who held the position since 2021. The Congress aims to rebuild its base and prepare for upcoming local body polls, including those in Mumbai, Pune, Thane, and Nagpur. The party will also need to work with its allies, the Shiv Sena (UBT) and NCP (SP), to strengthen the opposition against the ruling BJP-led alliance.

Raj Bhavan will shelter 'tortured' Sandeshkhali women: Guv

Raj Bhavan will shelter 'tortured' Sandeshkhali women: Guv

Rediff.com17 Feb 2024

He assured that the "tortured" women from Sandeshkhali in North 24 Parganas district could seek refuge in Raj Bhavan, where they would be provided with shelter, food, and security.

Priyanka Brings OTT Action In July

Priyanka Brings OTT Action In July

Rediff.com1 Jul 2025

July has interesting OTT entertainment awaiting you.

Kerala becomes India's first fully digitally literate state: CM Vijayan

Kerala becomes India's first fully digitally literate state: CM Vijayan

Rediff.com22 Aug 2025

Kerala has become the first state in India to achieve complete digital literacy, according to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. Over 2.5 lakh volunteers contributed to this milestone, which included people of all age groups. The state plans to launch the second phase of the project soon, making all personal documents available in DigiLockers.

Congress ties up with CPM for Bengal panchayat polls

Congress ties up with CPM for Bengal panchayat polls

Rediff.com9 Jun 2023

Chowdhury said he has directed Congress workers to extend all cooperation to the CPI-M in fighting the July 8 polls.