News for 'Panchayat'

Nirmohi Akhara moves SC seeking reconstitution of Ram temple trust

Nirmohi Akhara moves SC seeking reconstitution of Ram temple trust

Rediff.com19 Jul 2026

The Nirmohi Akhara has approached the Supreme Court, seeking a directive to the Centre to reconstitute the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Theerth Kshetra Trust as a 'public trust' and include structural safeguards for oversight by seers, citing alleged large-scale embezzlement of donations.

AAP MP's Code Of Conduct Case Hearing Delayed

AAP MP's Code Of Conduct Case Hearing Delayed

Rediff.com29 May 2026

A Model Code of Conduct violation case hearing involving AAP MP Sanjay Singh has been adjourned due to the investigating officer's absence. The case relates to an alleged unauthorised election meeting during the Uttar Pradesh panchayat polls in 2021.

Rajasthan panchayat bans camera phones for daughters-in-law

Rajasthan panchayat bans camera phones for daughters-in-law

Rediff.com23 Dec 2025

A village panchayat in Rajasthan's Jalore district has prohibited daughters-in-law and young women from 15 villages from using phones with cameras starting January 26. The decision was made to protect children's eyesight and prevent distraction.

Supreme Court to address Parsi woman's plea on religious identity after inter-faith marriage

Supreme Court to address Parsi woman's plea on religious identity after inter-faith marriage

Rediff.com25 May 2026

The Supreme Court has agreed to hear a plea on May 29 seeking a direction to the Nagpur Parsi Panchayat to treat a Parsi woman equally with her male counterparts, even after she marries a person of another faith, challenging a rule that allegedly strips Parsi women of their religious identity upon inter-faith marriage.

Rural Sports Festival Isha Gramotsavam Reaches North India

Rural Sports Festival Isha Gramotsavam Reaches North India

Rediff.com15 Jul 2026

Sadhguru's Isha Gramotsavam, a rural sports festival, is expanding its 18th edition into North India, covering 10 states and one Union Territory. This year's event will engage over 80,000 players from 40,000 villages in men's volleyball and women's throwball, offering a prize pool exceeding Rs 1 crore, with the aim of social transformation through sport.

Ram Temple Theft Hurt Devotees But...: Yogi

Ram Temple Theft Hurt Devotees But...: Yogi

Rediff.com15 Jul 2026

'The Ayodhya incident has certainly hurt the faith of all of us, of Ram devotees like us.'

Wayanad landslide: NDRF, fire teams intensify river search for missing man

Wayanad landslide: NDRF, fire teams intensify river search for missing man

Rediff.com11 Jul 2026

National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and Fire and Rescue teams on Saturday intensified search operations along the Meenachipuzha river to trace the lone missing person, Vikram Rana, as rescue efforts entered the fifth day following the Wayanad landslide.

Uttarakhand panchayat limits women's jewellery to three pieces

Uttarakhand panchayat limits women's jewellery to three pieces

Rediff.com30 Oct 2025

A panchayat in the Jaunsar Scheduled Tribe area has barred women from wearing more than three pieces of jewellery to prevent jealousy and domestic discord. The decision, welcomed with reservations, has sparked debate about other wasteful expenditures like alcohol.

Kerala Minister Sunny Joseph Defends Brother-in-Law's Appointment

Kerala Minister Sunny Joseph Defends Brother-in-Law's Appointment

Rediff.com5 Jun 2026

Kerala Electricity Minister Sunny Joseph has defended the appointment of his brother-in-law, Benny Thomas, as his Additional Private Secretary, citing Thomas's public service record and political experience. The appointment has sparked controversy, with the opposition CPI(M) accusing the minister of nepotism and hypocrisy, demanding his resignation.

Wayanad landslide: Families evacuated, search on for missing

Wayanad landslide: Families evacuated, search on for missing

Rediff.com7 Jul 2026

Following a landslide near the Kalladi tunnel project in Wayanad, Kerala, district authorities have begun evacuating families and intensified rescue operations to find seven missing persons. Heavy rains are complicating efforts, while project engineers clarify the landslide did not originate from the active construction zone.

Shashank Singh alleges extortion by cook, claims Rs 7 lakh demand

Shashank Singh alleges extortion by cook, claims Rs 7 lakh demand

Rediff.com12 Jul 2026

Punjab Kings batter Shashank Singh has accused Vipendra Singh Tomar, the cook who filed an assault complaint against him, of being a habitual offender with multiple criminal cases and claims the incident was a pre-planned extortion attempt. Singh stated Tomar had nine FIRs against him and demanded money to withdraw the complaint, while Tomar alleges assault and wrongful confinement.

Man Arrested With Illegal Firearms In West Bengal

Man Arrested With Illegal Firearms In West Bengal

Rediff.com27 May 2026

A 21-year-old man was arrested in West Bengal's Malda district for possession of illegal firearms and ammunition. Police are investigating the source of the weapons and potential links to interstate gangs.

Himachal Pradesh Pension Scam: 40 Falsely Declared 'Elderly'

Himachal Pradesh Pension Scam: 40 Falsely Declared 'Elderly'

Rediff.com8 May 2026

A pension fraud has been uncovered in Himachal Pradesh, where over 40 individuals were falsely declared as 'elderly' in official records to receive old-age pensions.

12 Injured In Haryana Village Clashes After Bakrid Prayers

12 Injured In Haryana Village Clashes After Bakrid Prayers

Rediff.com28 May 2026

Clashes between rival groups in two villages in Haryana's Nuh district after Bakrid prayers have left at least 12 people injured, police said.

Haryana CM Saini Orders FIR, Directs Action On Morni Grievances

Haryana CM Saini Orders FIR, Directs Action On Morni Grievances

Rediff.com3 Jun 2026

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini addressed a public grievance redressal programme in Morni, Panchkula, ordering an FIR against a contractor for electricity delays and directing probes into other infrastructure issues. He emphasized timely resolution of public complaints related to electricity, water, roads, healthcare, and pensions, while also committing to improved road connectivity and upgrading health facilities in the region.

Haryana CM Saini Orders FIR, Directs Action On Morni Grievances

Haryana CM Saini Orders FIR, Directs Action On Morni Grievances

Rediff.com3 Jun 2026

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini addressed a public grievance redressal programme in Morni, Panchkula, ordering an FIR against a contractor for electricity delays and directing probes into other infrastructure issues. He emphasized timely resolution of public complaints related to electricity, water, roads, healthcare, and pensions, while also committing to improved road connectivity and upgrading health facilities in the region.

BJP bags 50%+ votes across all categories in Gujarat local polls

BJP bags 50%+ votes across all categories in Gujarat local polls

Rediff.com29 Apr 2026

The BJP has secured a majority vote share across all categories in the recent local body elections in Gujarat, according to data released by the State Election Commission (SEC). The ruling party swept the elections, winning a significant number of seats across municipal corporations, municipalities, district panchayats, and taluka panchayats.

Stray Dog Attack Claims Boy's Life In Gujarat Village

Stray Dog Attack Claims Boy's Life In Gujarat Village

Rediff.com2 Jun 2026

A seven-year-old boy has died after being bitten by a stray dog in a village in Gujarat's Amreli district. Authorities have captured two dogs to prevent further attacks, as residents report multiple incidents involving stray dogs in the past month.

Obscure NCPI flexes numbers after TMC merger

Obscure NCPI flexes numbers after TMC merger

Rediff.com15 Jun 2026

The Nationalist Citizens Party of India (NCPI), previously obscure, has gained national attention after 20 rebel TMC MPs merged with it. The Tripura-based party now claims to be the largest parliamentary bloc from West Bengal, holding 20 Lok Sabha seats. Its registered address in Howrah is linked to a couple running an NGO, and a founder member has expressed support for PM Modi and a desire to join the NDA.

Human-Led AI Crucial For India's Developed Nation Vision By 2047

Human-Led AI Crucial For India's Developed Nation Vision By 2047

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

Union Minister Jitendra Singh stated that human-led artificial intelligence will be the defining force in India's journey to becoming a developed nation by 2047. Speaking at the 29th National Conference on e-Governance, he emphasised that technology must strengthen governance without replacing human accountability, advocating for responsible AI deployment with citizens at the centre. The conference concluded with the adoption of the Jaipur Declaration on e-Governance 2026, outlining a roadmap for AI-enabled, data-driven, and secure digital governance.

Campaigning Concludes For Himachal Pradesh Urban Local Body Polls

Campaigning Concludes For Himachal Pradesh Urban Local Body Polls

Rediff.com15 May 2026

The campaign for elections to 51 urban local bodies, including four municipal corporations in Himachal Pradesh, concluded on Friday, with key issues including infrastructure, tourism, and fuel prices taking centre stage.

Himachal Pradesh Government To Take Strong Action Against Drug Smugglers

Himachal Pradesh Government To Take Strong Action Against Drug Smugglers

Rediff.com11 May 2026

The Himachal Pradesh government is set to implement stringent measures, including mandatory drug testing for government jobs and 'bulldozer action' against drug smugglers, to combat the growing menace of 'chitta' (adulterated heroin) in the state.

Security Forces Recover Suspected Narcotics Dropped By Drone In Jammu

Security Forces Recover Suspected Narcotics Dropped By Drone In Jammu

Rediff.com20 May 2026

Security forces in Jammu recovered a packet of suspected narcotics, believed to have been dropped by a drone, in the border area of Bishnah. The packet was discovered by a local farmer and is suspected to contain heroin.

Hoshiarpur Authorities Demolish Illegal Structure Linked To Drug Traffickers

Hoshiarpur Authorities Demolish Illegal Structure Linked To Drug Traffickers

Rediff.com27 Apr 2026

Authorities in Hoshiarpur demolished an illegal structure built on panchayat land by a family allegedly involved in drug trafficking, as part of the state government's campaign against drugs.

Kerala Minister Admits Impropriety In Pension Distribution

Kerala Minister Admits Impropriety In Pension Distribution

Rediff.com4 Jun 2026

Kerala Minister K M Shaji admitted that distributing welfare pensions from a UDF political office in Malappuram's Pulpatta panchayat was improper, leading to the removal of the responsible official. The incident, which sparked allegations of rule violation, was attributed to unforeseen circumstances and bad weather, with the minister assuring steps to prevent recurrence.

Kerala Government Likely To Order CBI Probe Into ADM Death

Kerala Government Likely To Order CBI Probe Into ADM Death

Rediff.com31 May 2026

The Kerala government is likely to hand over the investigation into the death of ADM Naveen Babu to the CBI, following concerns raised by his family regarding the police investigation. The decision comes after a political controversy in Kerala in 2024 surrounding the case, in which former Kannur District Panchayat President P P Divya is the sole accused.

VB G RAM G Faces Monsoon Test

VB G RAM G Faces Monsoon Test

Rediff.com9 Jul 2026

As MGNREGA comes to a close, both critics and supporters keenly eye VB G RAM G's performance.

Supreme Court declares right to walk on footpaths a fundamental right

Supreme Court declares right to walk on footpaths a fundamental right

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

The Supreme Court has declared the right to walk on demarcated footpaths a fundamental right, prioritising it over motorised vehicle movement, and has called for the establishment of a regulatory body to ensure its enforcement and provide restitutionary remedies for violations.

Madhya Pradesh Official Suspended For Issuing False Death Certificates

Madhya Pradesh Official Suspended For Issuing False Death Certificates

Rediff.com26 Apr 2026

A panchayat secretary in Madhya Pradesh's Chhatarpur district has been suspended for allegedly issuing death certificates in the names of three living persons, prompting an investigation into the matter.

Maharashtra To Invoke MCOCA Against Cattle Smugglers

Maharashtra To Invoke MCOCA Against Cattle Smugglers

Rediff.com21 May 2026

The Maharashtra government has issued a circular directing authorities to invoke the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) against individuals, gangs, and organisations repeatedly involved in cattle smuggling.

Sanjay Singh's Model Code Violation Case: Cross-Examination Over

Sanjay Singh's Model Code Violation Case: Cross-Examination Over

Rediff.com14 May 2026

The cross-examination of a prosecution witness has concluded in a Model Code of Conduct violation case involving AAP MP Sanjay Singh in Sultanpur, Uttar Pradesh. The next hearing is scheduled for May 21.

Stir erupts against Karnataka's AI city

Stir erupts against Karnataka's AI city

Rediff.com29 Jun 2026

About 45 km from the tech hub of Bengaluru, the Karnataka government is planning a mega artificial intelligence (AI)-powered city with a budget of more than Rs 18,000 crore. To be spread over 9,000 acres, the project aims to follow the theme "Work, live, play" with technology as its core. At the centre of it are, however, thousands of farmers who are protesting against land acquisition by the government.

Odisha Engineer Faces Corruption Probe After Asset Discovery

Odisha Engineer Faces Corruption Probe After Asset Discovery

Rediff.com19 May 2026

The Odisha Vigilance Department has uncovered significant assets, including multiple buildings and plots of land, allegedly belonging to a government engineer, prompting an investigation into disproportionate assets.

'People gravitate towards power': Rebel Uddhav MP Omprakash defends switch

'People gravitate towards power': Rebel Uddhav MP Omprakash defends switch

Rediff.com22 Jun 2026

Rebel Shiv Sena-Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray MP Omprakash Rajenimbalkar has justified his crossover to the ruling Shiv Sena, saying if the people are gravitating towards power, he is merely following the trend.

Mamata dares 'treacherous' rebels to join BJP as another close aide quits

Mamata dares 'treacherous' rebels to join BJP as another close aide quits

Rediff.com4 Jul 2026

Mamata Banerjee, Trinamool Congress supremo, has launched a strong counterattack against rebel party members, accusing them of conspiring with the BJP to split the party. She dared them to formally join the BJP and defended her leadership amidst the worst organisational crisis for TMC, while also announcing leadership changes and criticising the rebels' past actions and attempts to seize party assets.

Bengal Villagers Recover 'Cut Money' Paid During TMC Rule

Bengal Villagers Recover 'Cut Money' Paid During TMC Rule

Rediff.com2 Jun 2026

Villagers in Mathabhanga, West Bengal, have started receiving refunds of 'cut money' they paid to local toughs to access government scheme benefits during the previous TMC regime. The BJP claims this is due to their rise to power, while the TMC denies any involvement in the illegal collections.

Chhattisgarh tribal woman carries 90-yr-old mother-in-law 3 km for pension

Chhattisgarh tribal woman carries 90-yr-old mother-in-law 3 km for pension

Rediff.com24 May 2026

A tribal woman walked nearly 3 km carrying her 90-year-old mother-in-law on her back to a bank to collect the latter's Rs 500 monthly pension, pending for four months due to incomplete KYC (Know Your Customer) formalities, in Chhattisgarh's Surguja district.

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.

Elderly Woman Beaten To Death Over Witchcraft Claims In Gaya

Elderly Woman Beaten To Death Over Witchcraft Claims In Gaya

Rediff.com12 May 2026

An elderly woman in Gaya, Bihar, was allegedly beaten to death by villagers who accused her of practising witchcraft. Police have registered a case and arrested one person.