News for 'State for Rural Development'

Public NBFCs eye Rs 24K cr via bonds

Public NBFCs eye Rs 24K cr via bonds

Rediff.com22 Nov 2025

Ahead of the Reserve Bank of India's (RBI's) monetary policy review in the first week of December, major public sector non-banking financial companies (NBFCs) - the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (Nabard), Small Industries Development Bank of India (Sidbi), Power Finance Corporation (PFC), and Indian Railway Finance Corporation (IRFC) - plan to raise up to Rs 24,000 crore together through bond issuancesk.

Not aware of, nor accepted: Tharoor says NO to Veer Savarkar Award

Not aware of, nor accepted: Tharoor says NO to Veer Savarkar Award

Rediff.com10 Dec 2025

Tharoor later told reporters in the national capital that he heard about the award on Tuesday and that he was not going for the ceremony.

Won't accept Savarkar award or attend event: Tharoor

Won't accept Savarkar award or attend event: Tharoor

Rediff.com10 Dec 2025

Shashi Tharoor categorically stated that he would not accept an award named after VD Savarkar, nor attend a related event, even as a senior party colleague wanted the Congress MP to not accept any honour named after the ideologue whom he claimed "bowed before the British."

High drama as TN Governor walks out of assembly again

High drama as TN Governor walks out of assembly again

Rediff.com20 Jan 2026

In the fourth such instance, Tamil Nadu Governor R N Ravi on Tuesday walked out of the state assembly without reading his customary address after alleging that the national anthem was insulted, evoking a sharp response from Chief Minister M K Stalin, who dubbed his action as an 'insult' to the House and the people of the state.

Why Budget 2026 Deserves 8.5/10

Why Budget 2026 Deserves 8.5/10

Rediff.com2 Feb 2026

This is the first Budget in my memory of Budgets over the last half a century which has embraced upfront, enthusiastically and emphatically, technology, modernity and fiscal sobriety, notes Shreekant Sambrani.

AAP axes Goa unit president after debacle in ZP polls

AAP axes Goa unit president after debacle in ZP polls

Rediff.com25 Dec 2025

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has removed Amit Palekar from the post of Goa unit president following the party's poor performance in the recent Zilla Panchayat elections. Shrikrishna Parab will hold the additional charge until further orders.

High drama in Karnataka assembly as guv walks out over speech row

High drama in Karnataka assembly as guv walks out over speech row

Rediff.com22 Jan 2026

Gehlot had on Wednesday refused to deliver the address to the Karnataka legislature, leading to a stalemate over the fate of the customary speech that outlines the government's policies.

'G RAM G Isn't A National Employment Guarantee Law'

'G RAM G Isn't A National Employment Guarantee Law'

Rediff.com18 Dec 2025

'MGNREGA was about a guaranteed right to work.' 'The new law does not guarantee employment at all.' 'It removes everything that made MGNREGA a legal guarantee.'

'Pronouncements On Paper Don't Feed Babies'

'Pronouncements On Paper Don't Feed Babies'

Rediff.com28 Nov 2025

'These children possess catastrophically low birth weights -- often 1.4 kgs or less. Such extremely low birth weight results in profoundly compromised neo-natal immunity.' 'The escalation to 97 deaths in three months precipitated contemporary attention precisely because this magnitude concentrates the humanitarian emergency, rendering it impossible for the administrative machinery to ignore.'

How Kerala Aims to Be India's First Poverty Free State

How Kerala Aims to Be India's First Poverty Free State

Rediff.com14 Jul 2025

Despite facing financial constraints, Kerala has been able to invest in welfare schemes and targeted programmes.

Rural women drive Rs 27,000 crore financial inclusion transactions

Rural women drive Rs 27,000 crore financial inclusion transactions

Rediff.com8 Oct 2024

Enterprising women business correspondents, known as BC Sakhis, have facilitated transactions worth Rs 27,000 crore in Uttar Pradesh, earning Rs 75 crore in commission over the past four and a half years. BC Sakhis, appointed under the nationwide women empowerment programme, are members of self-help groups (SHGs) who are trained and certified to provide banking and financial services in rural areas.

Mumbai-Pune Expressway gridlocked for 30 hours; relief likely on Thursday

Mumbai-Pune Expressway gridlocked for 30 hours; relief likely on Thursday

Rediff.com5 Feb 2026

The Maharashtra Highway Traffic Police have advised motorists to avoid the Mumbai-Pune Expressway until regular traffic movement is restored.

2025 Marks India's Arrival As A Great Power

2025 Marks India's Arrival As A Great Power

Rediff.com26 Jan 2026

In a world fractured by uncertainty, India stands out for its policy consistency, paired with sustained ambition, points out Pritam Banerjee.

Mamata govt transfers over 500 bureaucrats amid electoral roll revision

Mamata govt transfers over 500 bureaucrats amid electoral roll revision

Rediff.com28 Oct 2025

The West Bengal government has transferred over 500 bureaucrats ahead of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The move has drawn criticism from the opposition BJP, who allege it is an attempt to manipulate the electoral process.

India a messenger of peace: President Murmu in R-Day eve address

India a messenger of peace: President Murmu in R-Day eve address

Rediff.com25 Jan 2026

President Droupadi Murmu addressed the nation on the eve of Republic Day, emphasising India's role in promoting peace, the empowerment of women, and the country's economic growth.

ED arrests Jh'khand minister's secy after Rs 35cr cash recovery

ED arrests Jh'khand minister's secy after Rs 35cr cash recovery

Rediff.com7 May 2024

The ED on Monday had raided a 2BHK flat in Ranchi that is allegedly occupied by Lal's domestic help Jehangir, as part of a money laundering investigation into alleged irregularities in the state rural development department, they said.

Don't Expect Tax Relief In This Budget!

Don't Expect Tax Relief In This Budget!

Rediff.com27 Jan 2026

After the last Budget's announcement of a major tax relief for those earning an annual salary of less than Rs 12 lakh, there is not much that individuals can look forward to in the forthcoming Budget, points out A K Bhattacharya.

Telangana summit attracts Rs 1.88 trillion investment proposals

Telangana summit attracts Rs 1.88 trillion investment proposals

Rediff.com9 Dec 2025

Investment proposals for around Rs 1.88 trillion through 35 major agreements, spread across deep tech, green energy, and aerospace, were the hallmark moment of the first day of the two-day "Telangana Rising Global Summit", which started on Monday.

Ex-bus conductor, paediatrician among 45 Padma Shri 'unsung heroes'

Ex-bus conductor, paediatrician among 45 Padma Shri 'unsung heroes'

Rediff.com25 Jan 2026

India announces Padma Shri awards for 45 individuals, recognizing 'unsung heroes' like a former bus conductor who created the world's largest free library and a pediatrician who established Asia's first human milk bank.

'If You Can Make a Difference, Just Do It'

'If You Can Make a Difference, Just Do It'

Rediff.com11 Dec 2025

'There'll be extended periods where things aren't working in your favour. But if you believe in the cause profoundly, then you simply persevere.'

Karnataka cabinet approves bills on hate speech, cattle slaughter

Karnataka cabinet approves bills on hate speech, cattle slaughter

Rediff.com4 Dec 2025

The Karnataka cabinet has approved eight draft bills, including those addressing hate speech, cattle slaughter, and social boycott, to be tabled in the upcoming legislative session.

A long-game Budget

A long-game Budget

Rediff.com2 Feb 2026

The Union Budget for 2026-27, presented by Finance Minister (FM) Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday, which was a first, had an excellent domestic macro backdrop. According to the first advance estimates, gross domestic product (GDP) in constant prices is projected to grow 7.4 per cent in the current financial year, against 6.5 per cent in 2024-25.

'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.'

India's GDP estimated to grow at 7.4% in FY26; fastest in the world

India's GDP estimated to grow at 7.4% in FY26; fastest in the world

Rediff.com7 Jan 2026

The Indian economy is likely to grow at 7.4 per cent in 2025-26, up from 6.5 per cent in the previous fiscal, mainly on account of better performance of manufacturing and services sectors, as per the government data released on Wednesday.

Sonia Gandhi will look into matter: Govt on Nehru document return

Sonia Gandhi will look into matter: Govt on Nehru document return

Rediff.com28 Dec 2025

Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat has requested Sonia Gandhi to return Jawaharlal Nehru's documents to the Prime Ministers' Museum and Library, emphasizing their national significance. He also addressed the Aravalli Hills controversy and the Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission.

What Gave Birth To Maoists In Bastar

What Gave Birth To Maoists In Bastar

Rediff.com3 Dec 2025

The Maoists in Bastar went from one village to another with kits providing badly needed medical intervention. The medical help was one key reason why the tribals were attracted to the Maoists, points out M R Narayan Swamy.

How to Apply For SBI Youth For India Fellowship

How to Apply For SBI Youth For India Fellowship

Rediff.com10 Mar 2025

As a part of the SBI Fellowship programme, youngsters aged between 21 and 32 years get to work with NGOs on several projects in rural India.

How will India's auto industry perform in 2026?

How will India's auto industry perform in 2026?

Rediff.com21 Dec 2025

After a record-breaking year, India's automobile industry is entering 2026 on a relatively strong footing, with sales growth expected in the 6-8 per cent range. The outlook is underpinned by policy support, including GST rationalisation, easing monetary conditions, and income tax relief, which together are likely to improve affordability and sustain consumer demand across vehicle segments.

ED to quiz J'khand minister Alamgir Alam after Rs 37-cr cash seizure

ED to quiz J'khand minister Alamgir Alam after Rs 37-cr cash seizure

Rediff.com12 May 2024

Alamgir Alam had distanced himself from the activities of Lal while speaking to reporters after the ED raids, pointing out that he had earlier served with other ministers of the state government too.

ED arrests Jharkhand minister Alamgir Alam in Rs 35 cr cash haul

ED arrests Jharkhand minister Alamgir Alam in Rs 35 cr cash haul

Rediff.com15 May 2024

The agency had last week arrested Alam's personal secretary and state administrative service officer Sanjeev Kumar Lal (52) and the latter's domestic help Jahangir Alam (42) following the seizure of more than Rs 32 crore cash from a flat linked to them.

SIR concerns: Sonagachi sex workers fear mass exclusion from voter list

SIR concerns: Sonagachi sex workers fear mass exclusion from voter list

Rediff.com22 Nov 2025

Sex workers in Sonagachi, Asia's largest red-light district, are pleading for relief from stringent voter ID rules that they say are impossible to meet, potentially leading to exclusion from the voters' list.

'People Knew Manmohan Singh Had No Vested Interest'

'People Knew Manmohan Singh Had No Vested Interest'

Rediff.com29 Nov 2025

'Maybe he was wrong, but they believed he genuinely meant what he said.'

'Educated Youth Voted RJD, Uneducated Youth Voted JD-U'

'Educated Youth Voted RJD, Uneducated Youth Voted JD-U'

Rediff.com19 Nov 2025

'When you compare Bihar's poverty from its earlier times, then there is a huge difference. Things have improved a lot. And migration has played an important role in reducing poverty.'

Labour Codes: Trade Unions Raise Red Flags Over Layoffs

Labour Codes: Trade Unions Raise Red Flags Over Layoffs

Rediff.com2 Dec 2025

'Raising the retrenchment, layoff and closure threshold to 300 workers for prior government permission enables hire-and-fire in more than 90 per cent of the Indian workplaces. More than 12,00,000 disputes are now pending for adjudication with an average disposal period ranging from 3 to five years for more than 75 per cent of the disputes.'

Is Renaming Govt Schemes A Solution?

Is Renaming Govt Schemes A Solution?

Rediff.com20 Dec 2025

This has been our history of good governance: Things that were difficult to do and required planning and implementation were first taken up and then abandoned, notes Aaakr Patel.

Why Modi plans to transfer Rs 10K each to Bihar's 75 lakh women

Why Modi plans to transfer Rs 10K each to Bihar's 75 lakh women

Rediff.com25 Sep 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will launch Bihar's 'Mukhyamantri Mahila Rojgar Yojana' on Friday and transfer Rs 10,000 each to the bank accounts of 75 lakh women across the state, totalling Rs 7,500 crore.

What India Plans to Focus On At COP30 Summit in Brazil

What India Plans to Focus On At COP30 Summit in Brazil

Rediff.com27 Oct 2025

'At COP30, the emphasis will be on unlocking climate finance, reinforcing the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities, and building resilience through inclusive transitions and the mainstreaming of adaptation.'

Infy, AP rural BPO push to create 1,000 jobs

Infy, AP rural BPO push to create 1,000 jobs

Rediff.com27 Oct 2009

Society for Elimination of Rural Poverty chief executive officer T Vijaya Kumar and Infosys BPO Limited CEO and managing director Amitabh Chaudhry signed the MoU in the presence of chief minister K Rosaiah, state rural development minister Vatti Vasantha Kumar and other senior officials in Hyderabad.

World Bank raises India's growth projection to 6.5% for 2025-26

World Bank raises India's growth projection to 6.5% for 2025-26

Rediff.com7 Oct 2025

The World Bank on Tuesday raised India's growth forecast for the current fiscal to 6.5 per cent from 6.3 per cent estimated earlier, and said the country is expected to remain fastest-growing major economy, underpinned by continued strength in consumption growth.

Private Talent At PSU Banks Is Welcome, But...

Private Talent At PSU Banks Is Welcome, But...

Rediff.com22 Oct 2025

Opening up the corner office is fine, but will the government be able to attract talent without giving a market-rate salary?, asks Tamal Bandyopadhyay.