News for 'rural development'

ED Files Chargesheet Against Jharkhand Engineers in Rural Development Scam

ED Files Chargesheet Against Jharkhand Engineers in Rural Development Scam

Rediff.com18 Mar 2026

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has filed a fresh chargesheet against retired and serving Jharkhand government engineers and officials in a money-laundering case linked to alleged irregularities in the state's rural development department.

Budget 2025: Rs 1.88 lakh crore outlay for rural development

Budget 2025: Rs 1.88 lakh crore outlay for rural development

Rediff.com1 Feb 2025

The Rural Development Ministry has been allocated Rs 1.88 lakh crore in the Union Budget for 2025-26, around 5.75 per cent more than the allocation in the previous budget.

VB-G RAM G Act to replace MGNREGA: What Changes For Rural Workers

VB-G RAM G Act to replace MGNREGA: What Changes For Rural Workers

Rediff.com11 May 2026

The Indian government has announced the replacement of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) with the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin), or VB-G RAM G Act, 2025, effective July 1. The new scheme aims to expand guaranteed wage employment and link it more closely with infrastructure development and climate resilience, but faces concerns from opposition parties and labour rights activists.

Telangana Junior Basketball League Aims To Develop Young Talent

Telangana Junior Basketball League Aims To Develop Young Talent

Rediff.com19 May 2026

The Telangana Basketball Association has launched the Telangana Junior Basketball League (TJBL), a grassroots initiative aimed at identifying and developing young basketball talent. The franchise auction for the league was valued at Rs 1.48 crore.

Centre notifies draft rules for VB-G RAM G rollout

Centre notifies draft rules for VB-G RAM G rollout

Rediff.com23 May 2026

The Centre has notified draft rules for the Viksit Bharat - Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act, 2025, outlining the framework for the new rural employment programme replacing MGNREGA. The draft rules are open for public feedback until June 21, 2026.

Odisha Man Attempts Self-Immolation Over Road Grievance

Odisha Man Attempts Self-Immolation Over Road Grievance

Rediff.com1 Jun 2026

A 73-year-old man in Odisha's Jajpur district attempted self-immolation during a public grievance hearing, citing unaddressed appeals for an approach road to his house.

How Punjab Is Strengthening Public Safety And Rural Economy

How Punjab Is Strengthening Public Safety And Rural Economy

Rediff.com1 May 2026

The Punjab Cabinet has approved a series of measures aimed at enhancing public safety through forensic science upgrades and boosting rural incomes with a new farm stay policy.

Vijay distributes portfolios, keeps home; Sengottaiyan gets finance

Vijay distributes portfolios, keeps home; Sengottaiyan gets finance

Rediff.com16 May 2026

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay will handle key portfolios including police, general administration and welfare of women, youth and children. Veteran leader K A Sengottaiyan has been designated as the Finance Minister.

Prime Minister's Rural Development Fellowship

Prime Minister's Rural Development Fellowship

Rediff.com18 Nov 2011

PMRDF is an excellent opportunity for committed young people to contribute to enhancing development and welfare of the people in rural and tribal areas of the country.

VB-G RAM G Act from July 1, MGNREGA to be repealed

VB-G RAM G Act from July 1, MGNREGA to be repealed

Rediff.com11 May 2026

The Centre has announced that the Viksit Bharat -- Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act will come into force across the country from July 1, replacing the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act.

PM Modi to Launch Semiconductor Plant, Development Projects in Gujarat

PM Modi to Launch Semiconductor Plant, Development Projects in Gujarat

Rediff.com30 Mar 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate a semiconductor plant in Sanand, Gujarat, and launch multiple development projects worth over Rs 20,000 crore, marking a significant boost to India's semiconductor industry and infrastructure.

Diploma in Rural Development Management

Diploma in Rural Development Management

Rediff.com5 Jan 2009

The National Institute of Rural Development (NIRD) announces its second fully residential one year post graduate diploma programme in Rural Development Management (PGDRDM).

Suvendu keeps home, power portfolios, Swapan is finance minister

Suvendu keeps home, power portfolios, Swapan is finance minister

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

Ten days after the expansion of the BJP government's cabinet in West Bengal, key portfolios have been allocated, with senior leader Tapas Roy taking charge of industries and journalist-turned-politician Swapan Dasgupta appointed finance minister.

Etah Chief Development Officer Suspended Over Alleged Bribery

Etah Chief Development Officer Suspended Over Alleged Bribery

Rediff.com10 Mar 2026

The Uttar Pradesh government has suspended the Chief Development Officer of Etah after a video surfaced on social media allegedly showing him demanding a bribe.

UHI: Revolutionising Healthcare Access Across India

UHI: Revolutionising Healthcare Access Across India

Rediff.com1 days ago

Union Health Minister J P Nadda has launched the Unified Health Interface (UHI), an interoperable digital network under the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM). UHI aims to connect patients and healthcare providers across various digital platforms, addressing fragmentation in India's digital health ecosystem and improving access to verified services, especially in rural areas.

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.

Karnataka Launches AI-Ready KEO PCs To Bridge Digital Divide

Karnataka Launches AI-Ready KEO PCs To Bridge Digital Divide

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

Karnataka is rolling out the first batch of 2,000 indigenously developed AI-ready KEO PCs, priced at Rs 18,999, to rural libraries and educational institutions. This initiative aims to extend artificial intelligence and digital literacy beyond urban centres, supporting students with AI skills, spoken English, and competitive exam preparation, even in areas with limited internet connectivity.

Odisha official held for installing spycam in women's washroom

Odisha official held for installing spycam in women's washroom

Rediff.com31 May 2026

A clerical staff member of the District Rural Development Agency (DRDA) in Odisha's Jagatsinghpur has been arrested for allegedly installing a spy camera in the women's washroom of the office.

Bihar Government Suspends Two IAS Officers On Corruption Charges

Bihar Government Suspends Two IAS Officers On Corruption Charges

Rediff.com30 May 2026

The Bihar government has suspended two senior IAS officers, Yogesh Kumar Sagar and Abhilasha Kumari Sharma, following corruption charges based on findings shared by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the Special Vigilance Unit (SVU). The officers are accused of obtaining undue monetary benefits through bribery and commissions.

'When You Empower A Woman, You Empower A Family'

'When You Empower A Woman, You Empower A Family'

Rediff.com17 Jun 2026

'You empower a man, you are not necessarily empowering a family, you are just empowering him.'

Abhishek Banerjee Accuses BJP Of False Promises

Abhishek Banerjee Accuses BJP Of False Promises

Rediff.com21 Apr 2026

TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee criticised the BJP for not fulfilling its promises to the people of West Bengal, highlighting the success and continuation of the state's 'Lakshmir Bhandar' scheme.

Siya killed Ketan because he wore a wig? Father says...

Siya killed Ketan because he wore a wig? Father says...

Rediff.com4 days ago

The ongoing investigation into the murder of Pune realtor Ketan Agarwal suggests that his fiance, Siya Goyal, was instigated by co-accused Chetan Chaudhary to commit the crime. Goyal and Chaudhary, who were in a relationship, are accused of pushing Agarwal off Lohagad Fort. The probe also addresses reports about Agarwal wearing a wig and details about the planned wedding expenses.

Stir erupts against Karnataka's AI city

Stir erupts against Karnataka's AI city

Rediff.com1 days ago

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.

Punjab Government Reallocates Portfolios After Minister's Arrest

Punjab Government Reallocates Portfolios After Minister's Arrest

Rediff.com11 May 2026

The Punjab government has redistributed portfolios held by arrested minister Sanjeev Arora among other cabinet members, including Aman Arora, Harjot Singh Bains, and Tarunpreet Singh Sond.

Abhishek Banerjee Accuses BJP Of False Promises In Bengal Poll Rally

Abhishek Banerjee Accuses BJP Of False Promises In Bengal Poll Rally

Rediff.com21 Apr 2026

TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee criticised the BJP for not fulfilling its promises, highlighting the continuation of West Bengal's welfare schemes and challenging the BJP to implement similar initiatives in their ruled states.

Fiancee, lover made 2,004 calls before Lohagad Fort murder plot: Police

Fiancee, lover made 2,004 calls before Lohagad Fort murder plot: Police

Rediff.com5 days ago

In a deadly twist to what would have been a dream wedding, police on Tuesday said 26-year-old Ketan, who died while on a trek on June 18, was allegedly pushed into the gorge by his fiancee Siya (20) and her lover Chetan (22).

Call records reveal how fiancee planned Ketan Agarwal's murder

Call records reveal how fiancee planned Ketan Agarwal's murder

Rediff.com5 days ago

Pune police have revealed that Ketan Agarwal's fiancee, Siya Goyal, and her lover, Chetan Chaudhary, exchanged 2,004 calls and spent 238 hours on the phone in the six months leading up to Agarwal's alleged murder at Lohagad Fort, suggesting extensive planning for the crime.

As El Nino looms, govt making district-wise plan to tackle weak monsoon

As El Nino looms, govt making district-wise plan to tackle weak monsoon

Rediff.com29 May 2026

"Rather than worrying, preparation is required. Contingency plans will be made for affected districts and crop changes will be considered wherever necessary"

Kerala Government Forms SIT For 'Kafir Screenshot' Election Cases

Kerala Government Forms SIT For 'Kafir Screenshot' Election Cases

Rediff.com3 Jun 2026

The Kerala government has constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe two 'kafir screenshot' cases that caused a political storm during the 2024 Lok Sabha election campaign in Vadakara constituency. The cases involve alleged communal polarisation and the circulation of fake messages against LDF candidate K K Shailaja, with the new SIT reopening a previously inconclusive investigation.

Former Jharkhand Minister Alamgir Alam Gets Bail In Money Laundering Case

Former Jharkhand Minister Alamgir Alam Gets Bail In Money Laundering Case

Rediff.com14 May 2026

Former Jharkhand minister Alamgir Alam was released from jail after the Supreme Court granted him bail in a money laundering case linked to an alleged tender scam. He was arrested in May 2024 after a large sum of cash was seized from premises linked to his aide.

Why Abhishek Banerjee Accuses BJP Of False Promises

Why Abhishek Banerjee Accuses BJP Of False Promises

Rediff.com21 Apr 2026

TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee criticised the BJP for not fulfilling its promises, highlighting the continuation of West Bengal's welfare schemes and challenging the BJP to match them in their ruled states.

Gram Chikitsalay Season 2 Review: A Heartwarming Upgrade Within Panchayat's Shadow

Gram Chikitsalay Season 2 Review: A Heartwarming Upgrade Within Panchayat's Shadow

Rediff.com6 days ago

Gram Chikitsalay Season 2 returns with a confirmed connection to Panchayat universe and a more heartwarming narrative, observes Sreeju Sudhakaran.

Modi Has Transformed The Vocabulary Of Indian Politics

Modi Has Transformed The Vocabulary Of Indian Politics

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

Few leaders since Independence have been able to establish such a direct connection with the electorate or shape the national conversation to the extent that Narendra Modi has done over the past decade, points out former Union minister Dr Karan Singh.

TMC meltdown continues as ex-minister, Siliguri mayor resign

TMC meltdown continues as ex-minister, Siliguri mayor resign

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

The Trinamool Congress (TMC) is facing a severe leadership crisis as former minister Jyoti Priya Mallick resigned from all party organisational posts citing health, and senior North Bengal leader Goutam Deb stepped down as mayor of Siliguri Municipal Corporation, amidst widespread internal rifts and electoral setbacks.

'No one will be spared': Adhikari blames ex-mayor Hakim for warehouse collapse

'No one will be spared': Adhikari blames ex-mayor Hakim for warehouse collapse

Rediff.com5 days ago

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has alleged that the building plan for the collapsed Kolkata warehouse, which killed 10 people, was approved despite a faulty design and bears the signature of former mayor and TMC leader Firhad Hakim. Adhikari announced Rs 10 lakh compensation for the deceased's families and Rs 1 lakh for the injured, while also suspending all construction work in the Kolkata Metropolitan Area for four weeks for an audit of sanctioned plans.

Assam not to issue Aadhaar cards to adults anymore

Assam not to issue Aadhaar cards to adults anymore

Rediff.com13 Jun 2026

The Assam cabinet has decided to restrict the issuance of Aadhaar cards to individuals over 18 years of age, a move aimed at preventing illegal immigrants from acquiring the document. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma stated that exceptions would require district commissioner proposals and state government approval, with a complete ban for all communities over 18 set for April 1, 2027.

India aims to operationalise 9 FTAs in 10 months, eyes more pacts: Piyush Goyal

India aims to operationalise 9 FTAs in 10 months, eyes more pacts: Piyush Goyal

Rediff.com5 Jun 2026

Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal announced that India expects to operationalise nine free trade agreements (FTAs) within the next 10 months, with plans for an additional three to four significant pacts over the coming year, reinforcing India's ambition to become a global manufacturing and investment hub.

Modi working to protect India's prestige on global stage: Sharad Pawar

Modi working to protect India's prestige on global stage: Sharad Pawar

Rediff.com20 May 2026

NCP (SP) president Sharad Pawar has acknowledged that despite political differences with Narendra Modi, the prime minister is working to uphold India's prestige internationally. Pawar emphasised the importance of collective effort for national interest and cited examples of past leaders who prioritised the country's reputation.

SBI Chief Setty backs RBI rate pause, urges focus on India's long-term growth story

SBI Chief Setty backs RBI rate pause, urges focus on India's long-term growth story

Rediff.com4 Jun 2026

State Bank of India Chairman C S Setty has expressed support for a 'pause' in policy rates by the Reserve Bank of India's monetary policy committee, believing it will help stabilise conditions and support economic growth. He also urged investors to look beyond short-term equity market movements and focus on India's structural transformation, driven by reforms and digital infrastructure.

What Jawaharlal Nehru Did for India

What Jawaharlal Nehru Did for India

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

Through his commitment to democratic norms, debate, dissent and constitutionalism, Jawaharlal Nehru helped ensure that parliamentary democracy took deep root in independent India. Utkarsh Mishra evaluates Nehru's 17 years as India's first prime minister, examining his role in nation-building, democratic institution-building, economic planning, scientific advancement and foreign policy.