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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Suvendu keeps home, power portfolios, Swapan is finance minister

Suvendu keeps home, power portfolios, Swapan is finance minister

Rediff.com23 hours ago

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.

Karnataka Launches AI-Ready KEO PCs To Bridge Digital Divide

Karnataka Launches AI-Ready KEO PCs To Bridge Digital Divide

Rediff.com21 hours ago

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

Kerala Government Forms SIT For 'Kafir Screenshot' Election Cases

Kerala Government Forms SIT For 'Kafir Screenshot' Election Cases

Rediff.com7 days ago

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.

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.

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"

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.

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.

Modi Has Transformed The Vocabulary Of Indian Politics

Modi Has Transformed The Vocabulary Of Indian Politics

Rediff.com1 days ago

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.

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.com6 days ago

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.

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.

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.com7 days ago

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.

Mamata, her 21 ministers swept out in massive anti-incumbency wave

Mamata, her 21 ministers swept out in massive anti-incumbency wave

Rediff.com5 May 2026

The Trinamool Congress government's massive defeat in West Bengal shows "deep anti-incumbency and unpopularity" as out of 35 ministers who contested the assembly elections, 22 have been defeated, including Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in her constituency.

Hindi Cinema Is Incomplete Without The Muslim

Hindi Cinema Is Incomplete Without The Muslim

Rediff.com5 days ago

As time went by, different facets of the Hindi cinema started showing the complicated identity of Muslim -- sometimes tendentious and at other times perverse and unreliable.

Parents' association slams CBSE's 'rushed' on-screen marking system

Parents' association slams CBSE's 'rushed' on-screen marking system

Rediff.com6 days ago

The Delhi Parents Association (DPA) has criticised the CBSE's On-Screen Marking (OSM) system for Class 12 answer sheet evaluation, alleging it was rushed, lacked adequate preparation and training for teachers, and led to discrepancies in results. DPA president Aprajita Gautam claimed the trial run was too short and feedback from teachers was insufficient.

Shivakumar sworn in as Karnataka CM, Siddaramaiah's son joins cabinet

Shivakumar sworn in as Karnataka CM, Siddaramaiah's son joins cabinet

Rediff.com7 days ago

D K Shivakumar has been sworn in as the Chief Minister of Karnataka, with Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot administering the oath of office and secrecy. The ceremony also saw 13 other ministers, including a Deputy CM, taking their oaths, attended by prominent Congress leaders and religious figures.

J&K LG Manoj Sinha Dismisses Two Employees for Alleged Terrorist Links

J&K LG Manoj Sinha Dismisses Two Employees for Alleged Terrorist Links

Rediff.com8 Apr 2026

The Jammu and Kashmir government has terminated the services of two employees for their alleged links with terror outfits, including Lashkar-e-Taiba and Hizbul Mujahideen.

Budget 2026: VB-G RAM G gets Rs 95,000 cr; MGNREGA Rs 30,000 cr

Budget 2026: VB-G RAM G gets Rs 95,000 cr; MGNREGA Rs 30,000 cr

Rediff.com1 Feb 2026

The total expenditure on the MGNREGA programme, as per the revised estimates from 2025-26, was Rs 88,000 crore, while initially, a sum of Rs 86,000 crore was allocated.

Prime Accused In BJP Leader's Murder Arrested In Kolkata

Prime Accused In BJP Leader's Murder Arrested In Kolkata

Rediff.com16 May 2026

A 32-year-old man has been arrested in Kolkata in connection with the killing of a BJP leader in Jharkhand. Police claim he was the prime accused in the case.

Mamata's MLA meet cancelled as three-fourths of members fail to turn up

Mamata's MLA meet cancelled as three-fourths of members fail to turn up

Rediff.com31 May 2026

A scheduled meeting of Trinamool Congress legislators was cancelled due to the absence of most MLAs, attributed to protests following attacks on party leaders. The party has announced further protests against the BJP government.

The Bihar I Have Begun To Believe In

The Bihar I Have Begun To Believe In

Rediff.com3 Jun 2026

Bihar's greatest resource is not beneath its soil but above it -- its people. With a population approaching 140 million and one of India's youngest demographic profiles, Bihar possesses an asset many societies would envy, explains Bihar Governor Lieutenant General Syed Ata Hasnain (retd).

Suvendu Adhikari: From Mamata's Minister To West Bengal Chief Minister

Suvendu Adhikari: From Mamata's Minister To West Bengal Chief Minister

Rediff.com9 May 2026

In West Bengal's political circles, it was widely believed that after Mamata Banerjee, Suvendu Adhikhari was perhaps the only leader with a truly significant mass base of his own.

'Mamata Banerjee's Life Is In Danger Inside Her Home'

'Mamata Banerjee's Life Is In Danger Inside Her Home'

Rediff.com2 days ago

'Those who have drained Mamata Banerjee's blood -- they are the ones calling us traitors.'

How India's New AI Weather Forecasts Will Help Farmers

How India's New AI Weather Forecasts Will Help Farmers

Rediff.com12 May 2026

Union Minister Jitendra Singh launched two advanced weather forecast products developed under the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), aimed at delivering hyper-local, impact-based and artificial intelligence (AI)-driven weather services across India.