News for 'State for Rural Development'

Giriraj Singh's 'thumka' remark on Mamata sparks row

Giriraj Singh's 'thumka' remark on Mamata sparks row

Rediff.com7 Dec 2023

Several leaders of the TMC slammed the rural development minister for his comments on the chief minister attending the Kolkata International Film Festival.

Corporate bond market cooled 22% in August

Corporate bond market cooled 22% in August

Rediff.com11 Sep 2024

Corporate bond issuances fell by around 22 per cent in August, despite easing yields as issuers delayed raising funds awaiting the US Federal Reserve to start cutting interest rates from this month. Corporates and financial institutions expect yields to fall further and borrowing costs to become cheaper, said market participants. The US Fed is widely expected to cut interest rates by 25 bps in the 17-18 September meeting, marking the start of a downward interest rate cycle.

Centre asks naxal-hit states to ensure NREGA jobs

Centre asks naxal-hit states to ensure NREGA jobs

Rediff.com2 Nov 2009

In an advisory to the states, ministry of rural development has also asked them to take effective measures to ensure that rural households receive their 'due entitlement' under the Act in the districts facing drought.

Rural spending has skyrocketed but defence hit badly

Rural spending has skyrocketed but defence hit badly

Rediff.com10 Jul 2020

Free provision of food, cash transfers, and jobs in villages see enhanced flow of funds despite a precipitous fall in revenue. Till May, defence spend was nearly 30 per cent less than the previous year.

Should depositors put money in co-operative banks?

Should depositors put money in co-operative banks?

Rediff.com18 Feb 2025

The co-operative banking sector is well regulated, and a few cases of restrictions being imposed by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) should not paint a negative picture of the entire sector, said Department of Economic Affairs (DEA) secretary Ajay Seth on Monday. "Co-operative banks in the country are generally quite robust, and the RBI takes regulatory action whenever issues arise.

Improve Customer Service, Banks Told, Or Else!

Improve Customer Service, Banks Told, Or Else!

Rediff.com28 May 2025

In 2023-2024, 95 scheduled commercial banks received over 10 million complaints from their customers. The process of KYC at many banks has become 'HYC' -- harass your customer, points out Tamal Bandyopadhyay.

Controversy's Child Kamal Haasan

Controversy's Child Kamal Haasan

Rediff.com10 Jun 2025

Kamal has a crisp pen when it comes to writing short and yet powerful film dialogues. But while speaking ex tempore -- and that has been his style -- he looks every bit a confused man, observes N Sathiya Moorthy.

How India's rural landscape is changing

How India's rural landscape is changing

Rediff.com23 Aug 2018

This survey also shows how things have moved forward since the last large-scale sample survey conducted by NSSO in 2012-13

Maharashtra cabinet nod for OPS to state employees

Maharashtra cabinet nod for OPS to state employees

Rediff.com5 Jan 2024

The Maharashtra cabinet on Thursday cleared a proposal that offers an option of availing the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) to the state government employees who joined the service after November 2005.

Retail inflation slows to 5-month low of 4.3% in Jan

Retail inflation slows to 5-month low of 4.3% in Jan

Rediff.com12 Feb 2025

Continuing the downward trend, retail inflation fell to a five-month low of 4.31 per cent in January, mainly due to a decline in the prices of vegetables, eggs, and pulses. The Consumer Price Index-based retail inflation was 5.22 per cent in December and 5.1 per cent in January 2024. The previous low inflation was in August 2024 at 3.65 per cent.

Bihar forms task force to combat child marriages

Bihar forms task force to combat child marriages

Rediff.com9 Mar 2025

The Bihar government has formed a state-level task force to monitor actions taken by authorities to prevent and eradicate child marriages in the state. Bihar has the second-highest rate of child marriage in India, with 40.8% of women getting married before turning 18. The government is implementing a multipronged strategy to combat child marriage, including stricter enforcement of the law, empowering girls through education, and raising awareness.

Maha transfers Rs 17,505 cr to 2.38 cr women under Ladki Bahin scheme

Maha transfers Rs 17,505 cr to 2.38 cr women under Ladki Bahin scheme

Rediff.com7 Mar 2025

The Maharashtra government has transferred Rs 17,505.90 crore into the bank accounts of 2.38 crore women beneficiaries under its Ladki Bahin Yojana till December 2024, in the first five months after the scheme was launched. The scheme, launched in August 2024, provides financial assistance of Rs 1,500 per month to eligible women. The objective of the scheme is to promote employment and economic development by providing adequate facilities to women and girls in the age group 21 to 65 years. The scheme aims to promote the empowerment of women and girls and improve the health and nutritional status of women and children dependent on them.

Ramesh rejects Mayawati charge, says Cong states under scanner

Ramesh rejects Mayawati charge, says Cong states under scanner

Rediff.com28 Oct 2011

Rejecting Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati's charge that his demand for Central Bureau of Investigation probe into Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act implementation was "politically motivated", Rural Development Minister Jairam Ramesh on Friday said he would not hesitate to recommend similar investigation even in Congress-ruled states.

India Strikes At Pakistan Airbases

India Strikes At Pakistan Airbases

Rediff.com10 May 2025

Pakistan military spokesperson Lieutenant General Ahmad Sharif Chaudhry told a hurriedly called press conference in Islamabad at around 4 am that th Pakistan air force's Nur Khan (Chaklala, Rawalpindi), Murid (Chakwal) and Rafiqui (Shorkot in Jhang district) airbases were targeted.

NREGs' social audit a must for all states: Ramesh

NREGs' social audit a must for all states: Ramesh

Rediff.com20 Jul 2011

Union rural development minister Jairam Ramesh has said states would not be allowed to ignore the findings of the social audits notified recently by his ministry on the National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (NREGS).

BIMARU states lag behind: Parl panel

BIMARU states lag behind: Parl panel

Rediff.com17 Mar 2007

The Committee also expressed "strongest concern" over the decision of the Governemnt regarding cap on the total number of BPL families.

Their religion not in danger, party is: Riteish takes on BJP

Their religion not in danger, party is: Riteish takes on BJP

Rediff.com11 Nov 2024

People claim their religion is in danger, but it is their party that is in danger, and they are praying to save it, Bollywood actor Riteish Deshmukh said while campaigning for his brother and Maharashtra Congress leader.

NREGA: Centre asks states to ensure timely payment

NREGA: Centre asks states to ensure timely payment

Rediff.com23 Sep 2009

Ministry of rural development has asked chief secretaries of the states to inform about the remedial measures taken by them to ensure timely payment of wages to NREGA workers, an official said.

NBFCs throng bond mkt to fund festival credit demand

NBFCs throng bond mkt to fund festival credit demand

Rediff.com18 Sep 2024

A number of non-banking financial companies (NBFCs) have tapped into the debt capital market ahead of the festival season to meet increasing credit demand as bank funding slows. On Tuesday, Aptus Value Housing Finance secured Rs 300 crore at an interest rate of 8.75 per cent through bonds maturing in five years. ICICI Home Finance Company turned to the market to raise Rs 275 crore at 7.94 per cent, alongside another Rs 300 crore at 7.95 per cent, through bonds maturing in five and three years, respectively.

Modi pat for Sitharaman: 'People's Budget, force multiplier'

Modi pat for Sitharaman: 'People's Budget, force multiplier'

Rediff.com1 Feb 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has lauded the Union Budget as a "people's budget" that fulfills the dreams of every Indian and said that it is a "force-multiplier" that will boost consumption, investment and growth. He highlighted a host of measures for different sectors, including welfare initiatives for gig workers, tax relief for the middle class, and support for the manufacturing sector.

We are trying to develop the rural markets: Maruti CMD

We are trying to develop the rural markets: Maruti CMD

Rediff.com29 Jul 2013

The recently anointed managing director and chief executive officer at Maruti Suzuki India Ltd tells Business Standard how he intends to get back to over 50 per cent share in the domestic market, apart from a larger role in the parent's global operations.

Why The Census Is Important

Why The Census Is Important

Rediff.com1 Mar 2025

It will be interesting to see what shifts have been recorded in the last decade-and-a-half -- from the effects of demonetisation and Covid's second wave to the drop in fertility and increase in farm workers -- but we will only know this if and when the Census is conducted, points out Aakar Patel.

Sensex May Hit 105,000 by Dec 2025

Sensex May Hit 105,000 by Dec 2025

Rediff.com12 Mar 2025

The risk-reward for the Indian markets, Morgan Stanley said, is turning favourable.

Budget 2025: More credit for farmers, 6 new schemes announced

Budget 2025: More credit for farmers, 6 new schemes announced

Rediff.com1 Feb 2025

In a significant policy shift aimed at boosting agri-productivity and rural prosperity, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday announced six new agricultural schemes while increasing the subsidised Kisan Credit Card loan limit to Rs 5 lakh from the existing Rs 3 lakh, benefiting 7.7 crore farmers, fishermen, and dairy farmers.

Tata Steel to file curative petition

Tata Steel to file curative petition

Rediff.com11 Nov 2024

Tata Steel is in the process of filing a curative petition in the Supreme Court in connection with the apex court ruling which said that states have the power to levy cess on mining and mineral-use activities. The petition by the steel manufacturing firm is aimed at seeking remedy to the order, passed by a 9-judge Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court on July 25. However, Tata Steel's managing director and chief executive officer T V Narendran told Business Standard that there was no demand note on the firm.

'Dr Chidambaram Felt India Should Do Better And Better'

'Dr Chidambaram Felt India Should Do Better And Better'

Rediff.com13 Jan 2025

'The very fact that his autobiography is called India Rising is a correct example of his wish for India to be a developed country and do as best as possible by science reaching to the common people.'

High points of Sitharaman's 8th Union Budget

High points of Sitharaman's 8th Union Budget

Rediff.com1 Feb 2025

These are the highlights of the Union Budget 2025-26 presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in Parliament on Saturday.

Maharashtra govt becomes new owner of iconic Air India building

Maharashtra govt becomes new owner of iconic Air India building

Rediff.com14 Mar 2024

The Maharashtra government has become the owner of iconic Air India building with the Union government approving transfer of the asset on Thursday. The Maharashtra government bought the Air India building at Nariman Point in Mumbai for Rs 1,601 crore. "GoI has approved transfer of Air India building, Mumbai of AI Assets Holding Company Ltd (AIAHL) to Government of Maharashtra (GoM) at consideration of Rs.1601 cr. GoM has agreed to waive dues of Rs. 298.42 cr, which would have been otherwise payable by AIAHL to GoM for this transaction," DIPAM secretary Tuhin Kanta Pandey said in a post on X.

The North-South Battle Gets Ugly

The North-South Battle Gets Ugly

Rediff.com20 Mar 2025

With its age-old fascination for education, southern states have done better than the North. Start-ups, IT hubs, and industry majors setting up shop have changed the face of the South. Nearly 79% of global offices set up by international conglomerates in India are in the South. Almost 46% of tech unicorns are from the South. The GDP per person in the South is 4.2 times higher than the North. None of these indicators can be ignored by any central government, whatever the political compulsions, notes Ramesh Menon.

Modi 3.0: Who May Lose, Who May Gain

Modi 3.0: Who May Lose, Who May Gain

Rediff.com8 Jun 2024

UP's representation in the government could diminish, given the BJP's decreased seat count in that state.

Mamata Ready To Take On BJP For 2026

Mamata Ready To Take On BJP For 2026

Rediff.com27 Feb 2025

The TMC-led West Bengal government has already started laying the groundwork for the election, setting the tone with the recent Bengal Global Business Summit and the state Budget.

Shivaji temple, scrapping of Dharavi project in Uddhav's manifesto

Shivaji temple, scrapping of Dharavi project in Uddhav's manifesto

Rediff.com7 Nov 2024

Apart from recruiting 18,000 women in state's police force, Thackeray said all female police stations will also be established in Maharashtra.

Bangladesh ex-foreign minister on way to India detained at Dhaka airport

Bangladesh ex-foreign minister on way to India detained at Dhaka airport

Rediff.com6 Aug 2024

Mahmud went to Dhaka's Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport to "catch a flight en route to Delhi," an Airport Aviation Security official was quoted as saying by the Dhaka Tribune newspaper.

Smart cards for Bihar NREGA workers

Smart cards for Bihar NREGA workers

Rediff.com2 Jun 2009

The scheme would check fake payments made under National Rural Employment Guarantee Act and ensure that the officials don't fudge the workers' wages, state rural development department sources said. Launched from Dharhar village of Paliganj area in Naxalite-hit Jehanabad district recently, the 'E-Shakti' scheme promises to cover each worker with smart cards carrying details about duration of work, the wage earned, photograph and registration number of the beneficiary.

Bihar announces package for Assam migrants

Bihar announces package for Assam migrants

Rediff.com17 Jan 2007

The minister said for eligible persons belonging to the violence-hit families seeking self-employment, the government would facilitate loans through banks.

Bureaucrats can't be allowed to frustrate grassroot democracy: SC

Bureaucrats can't be allowed to frustrate grassroot democracy: SC

Rediff.com11 Mar 2025

The Supreme Court of India has upheld a Bombay High Court order reinstating a woman as the sarpanch of a Maharashtra village, stating that bureaucrats cannot be allowed to "frustrate grassroot democracy." The court criticized instances of bureaucrats misbehaving with elected representatives and attempting to disqualify them by reopening old cases. The case involved Kalavati Rajendra Kokale, whose resignation from the sarpanch's post was withdrawn, but the Raigad district collector declared a vacancy and conducted a fresh election. The court found the collector's actions illegal and upheld Kokale's reinstatement, highlighting the importance of respecting the democratic process and elected representatives at the grassroots level.

Will Budget Help BJP Bag Delhi?

Will Budget Help BJP Bag Delhi?

Rediff.com4 Feb 2025

Banking on the Budget's tax relief, the BJP seeks to energise Delhi's middle class; the AAP is doing its bit too. But will their outreach mobilise this politically crucial yet disengaged electorate?

'GDP Numbers Will Be A Distant Memory'

'GDP Numbers Will Be A Distant Memory'

Rediff.com30 Nov 2024

Latest GDP growth numbers a one-off development and not the beginning of a trend, says CEA V Anantha Nageswaran.

Verify NREGA cards well: Centre to states

Verify NREGA cards well: Centre to states

Rediff.com28 Oct 2009

The ministry asked the state governments to ensure that the job cards had the unique identity number, photographs of the registered members, postal account number or bank account number, elector's photo identity card number, signature or thumb impression of the applicant, seal and signature of the registering authority and signature of the officer.

Inflation eats into India's rural demand while green shoots become visible

Inflation eats into India's rural demand while green shoots become visible

Rediff.com11 Aug 2022

In May, Satpal Singh, who runs a dairy business with three buffaloes in Jewar, near Noida, was worried about the steep spike in input costs. Singh said dry fodder rates, which cost Rs 1,500-2000 per tractor trolley last year, were quoting at Rs 4,500-5,000. The price of other cattle feed ingredients (that include mustard meal and similar mixes) had also gone up from Rs 2,000 per quintal to Rs 3,100-3,200 per quintal.