News for 'panchayati-raj'

Top education ministry officials shifted amid nationwide protests

Top education ministry officials shifted amid nationwide protests

Rediff.com5 days ago

The Indian education ministry has undergone a significant reshuffle of top officials, including the removal of higher education secretary Vineet Joshi, amidst widespread controversies surrounding NEET-UG paper leaks and CBSE digital evaluation glitches, with the opposition demanding the resignation of Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

NEET paper leak: NTA fires 47 officials, promises overhaul

NEET paper leak: NTA fires 47 officials, promises overhaul

Rediff.com5 days ago

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has terminated 47 officials and plans legal action following the NEET paper leak controversy. This comes amidst widespread protests and demands for the Education Minister's resignation, as the NTA initiates a major overhaul and recruitment drive to strengthen its operations.

Ladakh to get autonomous hill councils in all 7 districts under Art 371

Ladakh to get autonomous hill councils in all 7 districts under Art 371

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

The Union Territory administration in Ladakh has announced the establishment of an Autonomous Hill Development Council (AHDC) for each of its seven districts, significantly expanding democratic decentralisation. This move extends elected local self-governance beyond Leh and Kargil, with a proposed Union Territory-level body under a customised Article 371 framework to oversee these councils.

Akash Deep, Mukesh Kumar honoured with Bihar DSP posts

Akash Deep, Mukesh Kumar honoured with Bihar DSP posts

Rediff.com5 days ago

Indian fast bowlers Akash Deep and Mukesh Kumar were on Friday appointed as Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSPs) by the Bihar government under its 'Medal Lao, Naukri Pao' policy, with Akash calling it a "big responsibility" and urging students to maintain peace amid the ongoing protests over the alleged NEET paper leak.

NDA ally SBSP seeks 32 seats in UP polls; BJP says....

NDA ally SBSP seeks 32 seats in UP polls; BJP says....

Rediff.com14 Jun 2026

The Suheldev Bharatiya Samaj Party, a constituent of the Bhaatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance, has staked claim to 32 seats for the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections, with the aim to wrest the Samajwadi Party's stronghold of Azamgarh.

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.

Brahmin Discontent May Reshape UP Politics

Brahmin Discontent May Reshape UP Politics

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

A caste recalibration is simmering just below the surface in UP.

Constitution expert Subhash Kashyap passes away

Constitution expert Subhash Kashyap passes away

Rediff.com5 Jun 2026

Author of over 100 books, he served as the secretary general of Lok Sabha from 1983 to 1990.

Suvendu serves jhalmuri to Modi at NDA conclave

Suvendu serves jhalmuri to Modi at NDA conclave

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared jhalmuri with NDA leaders at the Bharat Mandapam conclave, bringing the popular Bengali snack back into the political spotlight. This act revived memories of his West Bengal election campaign where a jhalmuri break became a political talking point and a subtle jab at the Trinamool Congress.

Bihar CM Samrat Choudhary gets 2 JD-U deputy CMs

Bihar CM Samrat Choudhary gets 2 JD-U deputy CMs

Rediff.com15 Apr 2026

Bijendra Prasad Yadav and Vijay Kumar Chaudhary have been appointed as deputy chief ministers in Bihar under the leadership of Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary, who also retains control of key portfolios.

UP Government Provides Assistance To Grieving Family

UP Government Provides Assistance To Grieving Family

Rediff.com26 Apr 2026

The Uttar Pradesh government has provided financial assistance and other support to the family of a 15-year-old girl found dead in the Ganga river in Ghazipur. A cheque of Rs 5 lakh was handed over, along with assurances of housing and land for agriculture.

Intense battle of ballot in Tamil Nadu's cradle Of democracy

Intense battle of ballot in Tamil Nadu's cradle Of democracy

Rediff.com29 Apr 2026

There is something that makes the Uthiramerur assembly constituency in Kancheepuram district special.

Odisha forest department buys Mahindra Thars from disaster fund, finds CAG

Odisha forest department buys Mahindra Thars from disaster fund, finds CAG

Rediff.com20 Apr 2026

A special audit by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) has revealed that Odisha's forest and environment department sidestepped central guidelines, procuring and customising Mahindra Thar SUVs worth 17 crore from the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) for forest protection, despite the funds being earmarked for 'preparedness and capacity building'.

New Manipur CM Khemchand Singh: Veteran RSS leader and Taekwondo black belt

New Manipur CM Khemchand Singh: Veteran RSS leader and Taekwondo black belt

Rediff.com4 Feb 2026

A profile of Yumnam Khemchand Singh, the newly appointed Chief Minister of Manipur, highlighting his background in the RSS, his political career, and his association with Taekwondo.

Omar Abdullah Emphasises Transparency in J&K Recruitment Drive

Omar Abdullah Emphasises Transparency in J&K Recruitment Drive

Rediff.com31 Mar 2026

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has affirmed his government's commitment to a transparent recruitment process, aiming to fill 25,000 vacancies this year while avoiding legal complications.

Jammu & Kashmir Achieves High Rate of Public Grievance Resolution

Jammu & Kashmir Achieves High Rate of Public Grievance Resolution

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

Jammu and Kashmir has shown significant progress in addressing public grievances through the JK Samadhan portal, achieving an 88 per cent disposal rate. District administrations and key departments have played a crucial role in this achievement, with high disposal rates and positive citizen feedback.

Stunning Tableaux Dazzle Republic Day Parade

Stunning Tableaux Dazzle Republic Day Parade

Rediff.com26 Jan 2026

India's 77th Republic Day celebrations at Kartavya Path in New Delhi featured vibrant tableau, representing the nation's cultural diversity and achievements.

I'm a Gandhian, Nehruvian, Rajivian, but not a....: Mani Shankar Aiyar

I'm a Gandhian, Nehruvian, Rajivian, but not a....: Mani Shankar Aiyar

Rediff.com18 Feb 2026

Congress veteran Mani Shankar Aiyar clarifies his political affiliations, identifying as a Gandhian, Nehruvian, and Rajivian, while explaining his distance from Rahul Gandhi's political approach and his disapproval of Indira Gandhi's Emergency declaration.

Despite Cong flak, Aiyar sticks to claim of Vijayan's return

Despite Cong flak, Aiyar sticks to claim of Vijayan's return

Rediff.com16 Feb 2026

Aiyar's endorsement of Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has ignited a political firestorm, drawing sharp rebukes from his own party.

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.

Delhi blast: UP ATS seeks details of Madrasa students, staff

Delhi blast: UP ATS seeks details of Madrasa students, staff

Rediff.com19 Nov 2025

The Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad, in the aftermath of the recent Red Fort blast in Delhi, has stepped up its monitoring efforts and sought comprehensive details of madrasas, their students, and teaching staff across the eight districts under Prayagraj zone, officials said on Wednesday.

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.

Rahul in Kerala to learn about panchayati raj

Rahul in Kerala to learn about panchayati raj

Rediff.com16 Apr 2013

Congress Vice-President Rahul Gandhi arrived in Thrissur on Tuesday to learn about Kerala's experience in panchayati raj system.

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.

Assam tables bill to ban polygamy, proposes 7-year jail; ST excluded

Assam tables bill to ban polygamy, proposes 7-year jail; ST excluded

Rediff.com25 Nov 2025

The Assam government has introduced a bill to ban polygamy, proposing imprisonment for offenders while excluding Scheduled Tribes and Sixth Schedule areas from its purview.

Nitish Kumar gives up home portfolio after 20 years

Nitish Kumar gives up home portfolio after 20 years

Rediff.com21 Nov 2025

The home portfolio of Bihar, which Chief Minister Nitish Kumar kept with himself all through his nearly 20-year-long tenure, has been given to his deputy, BJP leader Samrat Chowdhury, this time, according to an official notification issued on Friday.

SC orders removal of stray animals from highways, expressways

SC orders removal of stray animals from highways, expressways

Rediff.com8 Nov 2025

The Supreme Court has directed the removal of all cattle and other stray animals from highways and expressways, citing safety concerns and frequent accidents.

'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.

Goa minister acquitted of charges in Parrikar plaint after 27 years

Goa minister acquitted of charges in Parrikar plaint after 27 years

Rediff.com25 Aug 2025

A special court in Goa on Monday acquitted State Transport and Panchayati Raj Minister Mauvin Godinho in a 1998 power rebate case, bringing an end to a 27-year-long legal battle.

'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).

After FIR, Himachal minister calls NHAI officials 'most corrupt'

After FIR, Himachal minister calls NHAI officials 'most corrupt'

Rediff.com2 Jul 2025

Singh said that about 150 people including women and forest, revenue and other officials were present at the time of the incident, and if the officials were assaulted, "why are there no eyewitnesses".

How Women Voters Cemented Nitish Kumar's Political Fortress

How Women Voters Cemented Nitish Kumar's Political Fortress

Rediff.com6 Sep 2025

For nearly two decades, Nitish Kumar has cultivated women as a distinct constituency. 'To create a broader vote base, he thought it would be better to bring women to electoral politics.'

Shami's sister, relatives implicated in alleged MNREGA fraud

Shami's sister, relatives implicated in alleged MNREGA fraud

Rediff.com3 Apr 2025

A district-level investigation has named several individuals, including relatives of India cricketer Mohammed Shami.

UP minister addresses event in dark after power outage

UP minister addresses event in dark after power outage

Rediff.com27 Mar 2025

Uttar Pradesh Energy Minister Arvind Kumar Sharma was forced to address an event in the dark in his hometown Mau due to a power outage. The incident, which went viral on social media, led to action against four power department officials, including the suspension of two. Sharma was in Mau for a three-day event marking eight years of the BJP government in the state. The power failure lasted for hours, causing inconvenience to the locals and creating an awkward situation for the minister. While some BJP workers alleged that the outage was deliberate, locals praised Sharma for his composure and humility.

Is fighting for farmers anti-national? Medha Patkar slams BJP walkout

Is fighting for farmers anti-national? Medha Patkar slams BJP walkout

Rediff.com2 Jul 2025

The panel, headed by Congress MP Saptagiri Sankar Ulaka, had called Patkar to hear her views on the implementation and effectiveness of the land acquisition law enacted by Parliament when the Congress-led UPA government was in power in 2013.

What Is Operation Kagar About?

What Is Operation Kagar About?

Rediff.com22 May 2025

During Operation Kagar, 350 Naxalites have been killed so far, including some of the movement's top leaders.

'Stray Dogs In Ghettos Is A Health Nightmare'

'Stray Dogs In Ghettos Is A Health Nightmare'

Rediff.com19 Aug 2025

'It will be an explosion of zoonotic diseases from these places.' 'People will not be able to live or work for kilometres around these places where thousands of street dogs are kept.'

'No provocative slogans, display of weapons': Yogi on Kanwar Yatra, Muharram

'No provocative slogans, display of weapons': Yogi on Kanwar Yatra, Muharram

Rediff.com26 Jun 2025

"This entire period is highly sensitive in terms of law and order, healthcare, sanitation, education, and disaster management. Hence, all related departments and district administrations must work with coordination and accountability," Adityanath said, according to an official statement.

Adityanath slams celebrating Salar Masood over Suheldev

Adityanath slams celebrating Salar Masood over Suheldev

Rediff.com11 Jun 2025

"I had said on the soil of Bahraich that glorification of foreign invaders should be stopped and that the national heroes must be honoured. And 1,000 years ago, such a tale of courage and bravery was written by Maharaja Suheldev on this very soil of Bahraich," Adityanath said.

Caste census: Has BJP turned tables on Opposition?

Caste census: Has BJP turned tables on Opposition?

Rediff.com30 Apr 2025

The BJP's surprise announcement of a caste census in the next census has sparked political debate, particularly in Bihar where the issue of backward empowerment holds significant electoral weight. The move is seen as a strategic maneuver by the ruling party to counter opposition efforts to mobilize support among disadvantaged sections of society. The decision is also viewed as a recognition of the growing influence of OBC politics in India.