News for 'gram-panchayat'

Modi to lead 11th International Yoga Day celebrations from Visakhapatnam

Modi to lead 11th International Yoga Day celebrations from Visakhapatnam

Rediff.com20 Jun 2025

The theme for this year is "Yoga for One Earth, One Health" echoes India's vision of global wellness.

Rule of law or rule of muscle power? HC slams Maha city planning body

Rule of law or rule of muscle power? HC slams Maha city planning body

Rediff.com20 Apr 2025

The Bombay High Court has criticized the City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO) for failing to take action against illegal structures in Navi Mumbai. The court questioned whether the rule of law or the rule of muscle power prevails in the state, noting that CIDCO officers were threatened by a local sarpanch when they attempted to take action. The court directed CIDCO to demolish the unauthorized structures within a week and ordered the Navi Mumbai Police Commissioner to provide protection to CIDCO officers.

Anti-India slogan row: Teen denies charges, says no interest in cricket

Anti-India slogan row: Teen denies charges, says no interest in cricket

Rediff.com9 Mar 2025

A 15-year-old boy in Malvan, Maharashtra, has claimed he was falsely accused of raising anti-India slogans during a cricket match. His family alleges he was trapped by people who beat him up and instigated a fight. The family's shop, godown, and home were subsequently demolished, while the boy and his parents were arrested. The teen maintains he doesn't watch cricket and was returning from prayers when the incident occurred.

Shocking! 70-year-old woman crawls 2 km to collect pension

Shocking! 70-year-old woman crawls 2 km to collect pension

Rediff.com24 Sep 2024

A video of Dehury crawling on a village road has gone viral on social media.

Hundreds cross Bhagirathi river to flee Murshidabad violence

Hundreds cross Bhagirathi river to flee Murshidabad violence

Rediff.com14 Apr 2025

Several areas in Muslim-majority Murshidabad, including Suti, Dhulian, Jangipur and Shamsherganj, have witnessed violent protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act that spiralled into communal violence, sparking the exodus.

Man moves SC for burying Christian father in village

Man moves SC for burying Christian father in village

Rediff.com20 Jan 2025

The Supreme Court of India expressed its disappointment and concern after a man was denied the right to bury his Christian father in a Chhattisgarh village, despite the presence of a designated burial area for Christians in the village graveyard. The man, Ramesh Baghel, had to approach the Supreme Court after the Chhattisgarh High Court dismissed his plea, citing concerns about potential unrest. The court criticized the high court's decision and the lack of action by local authorities in resolving the issue, noting that the body had remained in the morgue since January 7th. The case highlights a growing concern about religious intolerance and the need for greater sensitivity and respect for diverse communities in India.

Local well water blamed for Pune GBS outbreak

Local well water blamed for Pune GBS outbreak

Rediff.com28 Jan 2025

With several cases of Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) being detected in Sinhgad Road area in Pune, local residents on Tuesday claimed that contaminated water of a well on private land could have led to the outbreak.

SC reinstates woman sarpanch, fines Chhattisgarh govt

SC reinstates woman sarpanch, fines Chhattisgarh govt

Rediff.com14 Nov 2024

Coming down heavily on the Chhattisgarh government for removing an elected woman sarpanch of a remote village for 'unjustified reasons', the Supreme Court on Monday observed the state wanted the village head to go with a 'begging bowl before a babu (bureaucrat)'.

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.

Courts should not hesitate to deny liberty for corruption-free society: SC

Courts should not hesitate to deny liberty for corruption-free society: SC

Rediff.com7 Mar 2025

The Supreme Court of India has ruled that courts should not hesitate to deny liberty to accused individuals in order to ensure a corruption-free society. The court's statement came while upholding the dismissal of an anticipatory bail plea in a corruption case against a public official. The court highlighted the dangers of corruption and emphasized that the presumption of innocence alone cannot be the sole consideration for granting bail in such cases.

The Politics of A Caste Census

The Politics of A Caste Census

Rediff.com2 May 2025

While data can empower communities, it reinforces identities, making local politics more caste-centric, with decisions increasingly contested on the grounds of representation.

Such dynamics could lead to shifting alliances and, in the worst case, local governance getting paralysed as each group demands proportional power-sharing, explain Amitabh Kundu and Mehebub Rahaman.

Uttarakhand likely to implement UCC rules on Republic Day

Uttarakhand likely to implement UCC rules on Republic Day

Rediff.com20 Jan 2025

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has announced that the state will become the first in independent India to implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), with the date of implementation to be announced soon. The UCC, which aims to unify personal laws for all citizens, has been approved by the state cabinet and preparations for its implementation are almost complete. Dhami stated that the training process for UCC implementation is nearly finalized and the government is aiming for a swift rollout. Speculation is rife that the UCC could be implemented on Republic Day, coinciding with the conclusion of municipal elections. The UCC includes provisions related to marriage, divorce, annulment of marriage, succession, and live-in relationships. The state government has introduced a dedicated portal for online registration of related matters and has authorized Common Service Centers (CSC) to simplify access for citizens. In remote areas, CSC agents will provide door-to-door services. The Gram Panchayat Development Officer will serve as the Sub-Registrar for registration work in rural areas. The government has also implemented Aadhaar-based registration to make the process easier. Citizens can track their application status through email and SMS, and an online complaint portal has been set up. Dhami dismissed Congress allegations of divisive politics, emphasizing that the UCC provides a uniform system and law for all.

SC reserves order on Chhattisgarh pastor's burial, but hopes for amicable solution

SC reserves order on Chhattisgarh pastor's burial, but hopes for amicable solution

Rediff.com22 Jan 2025

The Supreme Court of India is set to rule on the case of a pastor whose body has been lying in a mortuary for 15 days due to a dispute over his burial site in a Chhattisgarh village. The court expressed concern over the delay and urged for an amicable settlement, while the Chhattisgarh government insisted on the designated burial area for Christian tribals being 20-30 kilometers away from the family's village. The court will deliver its verdict after hearing arguments from both sides.

'I Am Tired Of Seeing Dead Bodies'

'I Am Tired Of Seeing Dead Bodies'

Rediff.com22 Apr 2025

'Many of them are mutilated beyond recognition. Every day an encounter takes place.' 'Bastar has been burnt to ash.'

Maha village resolves to reject EVMs in future polls

Maha village resolves to reject EVMs in future polls

Rediff.com10 Dec 2024

Kolewadi gram sabha in Maharashtra's Satara district has resolved to conduct future elections on ballot papers, becoming the second village in the state to pass a resolution against EVMs.

Worm-infested food kits given to Wayanad landslide survivors?

Worm-infested food kits given to Wayanad landslide survivors?

Rediff.com7 Nov 2024

Survivors of the landslides in Chooralmala-Mundakai in Wayanad district alleged on Thursday that they were given worm-infested food kits by the Meppadi Gram Panchayat, leading to a violent protest by the Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) on Thursday.

SC orders Chhattisgarh pastor's burial 20 km away

SC orders Chhattisgarh pastor's burial 20 km away

Rediff.com28 Jan 2025

The Supreme Court of India has ordered the burial of a pastor whose body has been lying in a mortuary since January 7th, after a dispute arose regarding the location of his burial. The court issued a split verdict, with one judge ruling for burial on the family's private land and the other for a designated place away from the village. The decision was made due to the prolonged delay in the burial and the potential for unrest. The court ordered the state government to provide security to prevent any further incidents.

BJP leader bids Rs 2 cr for sarpanch post in Punjab

BJP leader bids Rs 2 cr for sarpanch post in Punjab

Rediff.com1 Oct 2024

The auction, a violation of democratic norms, has been condemned by several political leaders. Elections to gram panchayats in Punjab will be held on October 15.

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.

Businessman thrashed after kangaroo court called by TMC leader

Businessman thrashed after kangaroo court called by TMC leader

Rediff.com10 Jul 2024

A businessman in West Bengal's Howrah district was allegedly assaulted and his house vandalised after a kangaroo court session was convened by a local panchayat pradhan and Trinamool Congress leader to resolve his marital dispute.

Punjab AAP leader shot at, Akali leaders booked

Punjab AAP leader shot at, Akali leaders booked

Rediff.com6 Oct 2024

A local Aam Aadmi Party leader was shot at in Punjab's Fazilka district with the ruling party and MLA Jagdeep Kamboj accusing a leader of the Shiromani Akali Dal of opening the fire.

This Karnataka village set to boycott LS polls, here is why

This Karnataka village set to boycott LS polls, here is why

Rediff.com4 Apr 2024

Residents of a village in Kapu assembly segment of Udupi-Chikkamagaluru Lok Sabha constituency have decided to boycott the upcoming election, in protest against the poor civic amenities there.

Cyclone Dana: No lives lost, but 36 lakh people affected in Odisha

Cyclone Dana: No lives lost, but 36 lakh people affected in Odisha

Rediff.com27 Oct 2024

The worst-hit districts include Kendrapara, Balasore and Bhadrak, while the human casualty 'still stands at zero,' he told reporters in Bhubaneswar.

'BJP Will Use MNS To Pressurise Shinde'

'BJP Will Use MNS To Pressurise Shinde'

Rediff.com15 Feb 2025

'The message is loud and clear: "If you're not falling in line, we will open a line of understanding with the MNS, and then the Shiv Sena will be in trouble".'

Himachal cloudburst toll rises to 13, searches on for 40 missing

Himachal cloudburst toll rises to 13, searches on for 40 missing

Rediff.com5 Aug 2024

Over 40 people are still missing after a series of cloudbursts occurred in Kullu's Nirmand, Sainj and Malana, Mandi's Padhar and Shimla's Rampur subdivision on the night of July 31 and wreaked havoc.

7 Years Later, Bhima Koregaon Revisited

7 Years Later, Bhima Koregaon Revisited

Rediff.com1 Jan 2025

With all the evasions, one assertion made by the Pune (Rural) police stood out: They had found no connection of the Elgar Parishad with the violent incidents of January 1, 2018. Yet, the case against the 'Bhima Koregaon 16', which is based on exactly this alleged connection, continues, and seven of the accused continue to be behind bars under the UAPA, explains Jyoti Punwani.

TMC worker killed as incidents of violence mar bypolls in Bengal

TMC worker killed as incidents of violence mar bypolls in Bengal

Rediff.com13 Nov 2024

Sporadic incidents of unrest marred the West Bengal bypolls, with a local Trinamool Congress worker Ashok Shaw dying following a crude bomb attack in Bhatpara, an area adjoining Naihati assembly constituency where voting was underway.

Marathas assaulted for not voting BJP, claims Jarange

Marathas assaulted for not voting BJP, claims Jarange

Rediff.com9 Jun 2024

The activist said leaders opposing Maratha interests would face consequences in the upcoming Vidhan Sabha elections.

How did Sahajahan Sheikh rise to prominence in TMC?

How did Sahajahan Sheikh rise to prominence in TMC?

Rediff.com6 Jan 2024

Under the stewardship of the then TMC national general secretary Mukul Roy and North 24 Parganas TMC district president Jyotipriyo Mullick, he joined the party and quickly ascended in power, becoming a close associate of Mullick.

Hanuman flag removal sparks tension in K'taka; tricolour installed after stir

Hanuman flag removal sparks tension in K'taka; tricolour installed after stir

Rediff.com28 Jan 2024

The incident led to a political confrontation between the government and Opposition in the state.

2 IAS officers suspended after Punjab U-turn on panchayat dissolution

2 IAS officers suspended after Punjab U-turn on panchayat dissolution

Rediff.com31 Aug 2023

Hours after taking a 'U-turn' by informing the high court that it is withdrawing its notification dissolving all gram panchayats in the state, the Punjab government suspended two senior Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officers on Thursday for a 'technically-flawed' decision.

PIX: People across country celebrate Diwali with pomp

PIX: People across country celebrate Diwali with pomp

Rediff.com31 Oct 2024

Keeping up his tradition of celebrating the festival with soldiers, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Sir Creek near the Indo-Pak border in Gujarat's Kutch district and offered sweets to jawans.

Maharashtra collector seeks EC advice amid Maratha stir, here is why

Maharashtra collector seeks EC advice amid Maratha stir, here is why

Rediff.com7 Mar 2024

Dharashiv, earlier Osmanabad, is among the eight districts that comprise the state's Marathwada region, where activist Manoj Jarange has led an agitation demanding reservation for Marathas in education and government jobs.

TMC worker killed, others injured in rural poll violence in Bengal

TMC worker killed, others injured in rural poll violence in Bengal

Rediff.com2 Jul 2023

A TMC worker, identified as 52-year-old Jiyarul Molla, was shot dead in Phulmalancha area in Basanti in South 24 Parganas district late on Saturday night while he was returning home, a police officer said.

Munambam: The Politics Of Waqf Land

Munambam: The Politics Of Waqf Land

Rediff.com27 Nov 2024

The specter of how the Munambam issue was exploited during the November by-elections is proof of the price Kerala is paying for its emergent politics. Controversies become the stuff of slow-burn and brinkmanship. The former promises mileage; the latter searches for an advantage, notes Shyam G Menon.

Was Ram Rahim BJP's trump card in Haryana?

Was Ram Rahim BJP's trump card in Haryana?

Rediff.com8 Oct 2024

Was Ram Rahim's release on parole for the 10th time since his conviction in 2017 timed to coincide with the Haryana assembly elections? It does seem so when one considers he has been released mostly when there was an election in Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan. Listing the times that Ram Rahim has been out on parole.

High drama as Himachal ministers storm out of cabinet meet

High drama as Himachal ministers storm out of cabinet meet

Rediff.com2 Mar 2024

High drama was witnessed during the Himachal Pradesh Cabinet meeting on Saturday with ministers Jagat Negi and Rohit Thakur leaving midway following a 'heated debate' over policy decisions, sources said.

In a first, Kerala adopts water budget to tackle shortage

In a first, Kerala adopts water budget to tackle shortage

Rediff.com19 Apr 2023

Kerala on Monday became the first state to adopt a water budget in a bid to come up with a solution to water scarcity in certain regions there. The first phase of the project would cover 94 gram panchayats and 15 block panchayats. The Public Water Budget was released by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Monday, along with the launch of the third phase of the Ini Njan Ozhukatte (Let me flow now) project, for the rehabilitation of irrigation networks in the Western Ghats.

12 killed as violence rocks Bengal panchayat polls

12 killed as violence rocks Bengal panchayat polls

Rediff.com8 Jul 2023

Among those killed were eight from TMC, and one worker each of the BJP, the CPI-M, the Congress and the ISF.

'Aim is to double individual first-year premiums in 3 yrs'

'Aim is to double individual first-year premiums in 3 yrs'

Rediff.com27 Apr 2024

'Currently, our individual first premium would be in the Rs 3,000-Rs 3,200 crore range. We want to take that to about Rs 6,000 crore in three years.'