News for 'welfare schemes'

Stray dogs: Judiciary must remind people of hard truths, says SC

Stray dogs: Judiciary must remind people of hard truths, says SC

Rediff.com14 Aug 2025

The Supreme Court has directed authorities in Delhi-NCR to relocate stray dogs to shelters, emphasizing public safety and addressing concerns about dog bites, particularly among vulnerable populations.

FULL TEXT: President's address to the nation on I-Day eve

FULL TEXT: President's address to the nation on I-Day eve

Rediff.com15 Aug 2025

President Droupadi Murmu's address to the nation on the eve of the 79th Independence Day.

'Caste Census Will Split Hindus'

'Caste Census Will Split Hindus'

Rediff.com5 Jun 2025

'It will split people and create caste clashes. Unity of people will be affected for the time being.'

'Ravan Bhakt', 'Ghoshna Mantri': Slangs heat up Delhi poll

'Ravan Bhakt', 'Ghoshna Mantri': Slangs heat up Delhi poll

Rediff.com25 Jan 2025

The upcoming Delhi Assembly elections have turned into a fierce battleground of slogans, one-liners, and AI-generated memes between the three main contenders: AAP, BJP, and Congress. From the AAP branding the BJP as the "Bharatiya Jhootha Party" (Indian Liar Party) to Prime Minister Narendra Modi calling the AAP "AAP-Daa" (disaster), the war of words has taken center stage. With the poll results set to be announced on February 8, the elections are being viewed as a referendum on the AAP's governance model, which emphasizes free welfare schemes. The ruling party faces stiff competition from a resurgent BJP that is seeking to return to power in the capital after a gap of more than 25 years. The Congress, although a long shot, hopes to regain its lost ground.

Pather Panchali@70: Beautiful, Broken People

Pather Panchali@70: Beautiful, Broken People

Rediff.com4 Sep 2025

Seventy years after Pather Panchali released on August 26, 1955, we finally get it. Shuttling between the village of Boral and a studio in Calcutta, caught between worrying about the next purse of funds and wondering which item to mortgage next, Satyajit Ray was explaining Indians to themselves, discovers Sreehari Nair.

'Ab Bharat ka pani Bharat ke haq mein bahega': Modi on Indus treaty

'Ab Bharat ka pani Bharat ke haq mein bahega': Modi on Indus treaty

Rediff.com7 May 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi asserted on Tuesday that India's water will no longer flow outside the country but will be utilized in the nation's interest, a statement seemingly directed at Pakistan following his government's decision to put the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance after the Pahalgam terror attack. Addressing the ABP Network's 'India@2047' Summit, Modi emphasized his government's focus on interlinking rivers, noting that water used to be a source of conflict among states, before alluding to India's stance against Pakistan while discussing water. He highlighted the finalization of the India-UK free trade agreement as a historic milestone and underscored the importance of prioritizing national interest for achieving objectives and realizing the country's potential. Modi highlighted the country's growth and development under his government's rule, emphasizing its focus on welfare schemes and digitalization. He reiterated his government's commitment to 'Nation First' and pointed to the recent reforms undertaken, including the new Waqf law and the ban on triple talaq, which he said were aimed at benefiting the marginalized sections of society.

'We'll Keep Fighting!'

'We'll Keep Fighting!'

Rediff.com10 Mar 2025

'Don't take people lightly. People know everything.'

Caste census: Opposition parties claim victory

Caste census: Opposition parties claim victory

Rediff.com30 Apr 2025

As the Centre announced the inclusion of caste enumeration in the next census on Wednesday, opposition parties said it is a victory for their long-standing demand and sought time-bound implementation.

'If NDA Manipulates Elections, They May Return To Power'

'If NDA Manipulates Elections, They May Return To Power'

Rediff.com3 Jul 2025

'They have no chance of winning if free and fair polls are conducted.'

Rekha Gupta takes charge of Delhi after grand swearing-in

Rekha Gupta takes charge of Delhi after grand swearing-in

Rediff.com20 Feb 2025

Debutant legislator Rekha Gupta was sworn in as Delhi chief minister along with six ministers on Thursday in a grand show of strength full of colour and spectacle to mark the Bharatiya Janata Party's return to power in the city after more than 26 years.

Public life likely to be hit as over 25 crore workers call 'Bharat Bandh' on Wednesday

Public life likely to be hit as over 25 crore workers call 'Bharat Bandh' on Wednesday

Rediff.com8 Jul 2025

More than 25 crore workers engaged in sectors ranging from banking, insurance, postal to coal mining, highway and construction are expected to go on a nationwide general strike on Wednesday, potentially disrupting services across the country. A forum of 10 central trade unions and their associates has called for a general strike or 'Bharat Bandh' to "oppose the anti-worker, anti-farmer and anti-national pro-corporate policies of the government".

DMK-AIADMK spar over schemes for SL Tamil refugees

DMK-AIADMK spar over schemes for SL Tamil refugees

Rediff.com2 Nov 2021

Chief Minister M K Stalin on Tuesday launched a Rs 225.86 crore welfare assistance scheme here for Sri Lankan Tamil refugees living in camps in Tamil Nadu and alleged that the previous AIADMK regime was not concerned about them.

Stalin's Breakfast Scheme A Social Revolution

Stalin's Breakfast Scheme A Social Revolution

Rediff.com3 May 2023

'Within a short span, it increased attendance, improved children's physical fitness, and led to a rise in the enrolment ratio.'

Maha polls: First-time voters, youth seek more jobs

Maha polls: First-time voters, youth seek more jobs

Rediff.com20 Nov 2024

With the Maharashtra assembly polls underway on Wednesday, the young voters and first time electors in Nagpur appreciated the infrastructure development here, but raised concern over lack of job avenues and inflation.

They are not even getting 100 seats now: BJP's jibe at Uddhav

They are not even getting 100 seats now: BJP's jibe at Uddhav

Rediff.com30 Oct 2024

Bawankule said that the BJP has always respected Matoshri (Uddhav Thackeray's home) and its legacy.

Modi unveils 29 projects worth Rs 12,000 cr in Varanasi

Modi unveils 29 projects worth Rs 12,000 cr in Varanasi

Rediff.com8 Jul 2023

Addressing a public rally in his parliamentary constituency of Varanasi, Modi said the schemes earlier were meant for a select few and the past governments did not get seek feedback from the ground.

Tension in Mahayuti? Sena demands home; claims Shinde sidelined

Tension in Mahayuti? Sena demands home; claims Shinde sidelined

Rediff.com30 Nov 2024

Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Shirsat has demanded that the party be given the crucial home department in the new Maharashtra government, indicating fissures among the Mahayuti allies. He also alleged attempts to sideline caretaker Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, who is reportedly upset with the BJP's decision to claim the chief minister's post.

Declined Trump's invite to US for Lord Jagannath: Modi in Odisha

Declined Trump's invite to US for Lord Jagannath: Modi in Odisha

Rediff.com20 Jun 2025

According to Misri's statement, Modi said he could not accept the invitation due to a pre-existing schedule, and invited Trump to visit India for the Quad Summit, likely later this year.

Would have brought entire NCP with me had BJP, Sena ....: Ajit Pawar

Would have brought entire NCP with me had BJP, Sena ....: Ajit Pawar

Rediff.com8 Aug 2024

The NCP chief has not concealed his ambition to occupy the top post in the state in the past.

BJP won't stop any Gehlot scheme: Modi in Rajasthan

BJP won't stop any Gehlot scheme: Modi in Rajasthan

Rediff.com2 Oct 2023

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said that Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has already 'accepted defeat' by requesting him not to stop schemes initiated by the Congress in Rajasthan, and gave a guarantee that the Bharatiya Janata Party will not stop any scheme but only try to improve it.

Shinde: Maharashtra elections likely to be held in November

Shinde: Maharashtra elections likely to be held in November

Rediff.com15 Sep 2024

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Sunday said the state assembly polls are expected to be held in the second week of November and seat-sharing among the ruling allies would be finalised in the next 8 to 10 days.

Maharashtra Oppn questions short 35-day runup to elections

Maharashtra Oppn questions short 35-day runup to elections

Rediff.com15 Oct 2024

Lok Sabha polls held over 5 phases so why hold assembly elections in single phase, asks Oppn.

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.

Amid PM Modi's retirement claim, Yogi opens up on future

Amid PM Modi's retirement claim, Yogi opens up on future

Rediff.com1 Apr 2025

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, known for his hardline Hindutva views and 'bulldozer justice' approach, has spoken out about his policies toward Muslims, the Waqf board, and his vision for India. He asserts that Muslims will receive a fair share of development in Uttar Pradesh, but not special concessions. He also criticizes the Waqf board for its alleged appropriation of government properties and calls for its reform. Adityanath defends his 'bulldozer justice' policy, claiming it is necessary for infrastructure development and removal of encroachments. He also discusses his vision for India, emphasizing the importance of Hindi as a national language and the need for unity across different linguistic groups.

J'khand to vote in final phase on Wednesday; fate of Soren to be sealed

J'khand to vote in final phase on Wednesday; fate of Soren to be sealed

Rediff.com20 Nov 2024

The final round of voting for the Jharkhand Assembly elections is taking place on Wednesday, with the JMM-Congress-RJD coalition seeking to retain power while the BJP-led NDA aims to take control. The election will decide the fate of Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren, his wife, and several other candidates. Key issues during the campaign included alleged infiltration from Bangladesh, corruption, and Hindutva.

Fate of 683 candidates in balance as 43 seats in Jharkhand vote

Fate of 683 candidates in balance as 43 seats in Jharkhand vote

Rediff.com13 Nov 2024

However, in 950 booths, voting will end at 4 pm, though people standing in the queue at that time will be able to exercise their franchise.

Did Lakshmir Bhandar Help Mamata Win?

Did Lakshmir Bhandar Help Mamata Win?

Rediff.com6 Jun 2024

The welfare schemes of the government, particularly Lakshmir Bhandar, have had a major impact on the electoral outcome.

Boost biz environment, ensure total coverage of key schemes: Modi to BJP CMs

Boost biz environment, ensure total coverage of key schemes: Modi to BJP CMs

Rediff.com24 Jul 2022

The meeting, which lasted for over four hours, was attended by chief ministers and deputy chief ministers of 18 states.

Delhi Polls: BJP, Congress Take On AAP

Delhi Polls: BJP, Congress Take On AAP

Rediff.com26 Dec 2024

The BJP and Congress have called out the 'Delhi model' as a hoax, built on sustained propaganda when the ground reality is different.

'Budget Focus Will Be On Growth, Jobs'

'Budget Focus Will Be On Growth, Jobs'

Rediff.com16 Jul 2024

'There is no immediate threat to the government, and they would prefer the growth agenda.'

Those born with a golden spoon....: CM Shinde's dig at Uddhav

Those born with a golden spoon....: CM Shinde's dig at Uddhav

Rediff.com4 Sep 2024

Shinde said the Opposition has described the Mukhya Mantri Ladki Bahin Yojana as "deceptive and a false assurance", but the scheme has received an overwhelming response from women.

K'taka budget: Sidda announces Muslim quota for govt supplies

K'taka budget: Sidda announces Muslim quota for govt supplies

Rediff.com8 Mar 2025

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced reservation for Muslims in supplying goods and services up to a value of Rs 1 crore to various government departments, corporations and institutions in the state budget for 2025-26. The budget also increased the value limit of government contracts in which Muslims can avail reservation to Rs 2 crore. The reservation to Muslims under 2B category is in addition to the Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe, and Castes coming under Category-1, Category-2A. The budget also included various welfare schemes for minorities, including Rs 50,000 to support simple marriages and Rs 1,000 crore under the Chief Minister's Minority Colony Development Programme.

High-octane Delhi poll campaign ends; stage set for Feb 5

High-octane Delhi poll campaign ends; stage set for Feb 5

Rediff.com3 Feb 2025

The high-octane campaigning for the February 5 Delhi Assembly elections concluded at 6 pm on Monday, with big guns from all three major parties holding roadshows, public meetings, padayatras and bike rallies in a final push to sway voters. The Aam Aadmi Party remains confident of securing a third consecutive term, highlighting its governance record and welfare schemes. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), aiming to reclaim power in Delhi after more than 25 years, held 22 roadshows and rallies across the city. The Congress, seeking a revival after failing to win any seats in the last two elections, also intensified its efforts. The election battle has seen sharp political exchanges, with AI-generated spoofs, catchy slogans, and roadshows dominating the discourse. The outcome of this fiercely contested election will determine whether the AAP continues its dominance, the BJP breaks its losing streak, or Congress makes a surprising comeback. The final verdict will be revealed on February 8, as Delhi awaits the results of what has been one of its most high-stakes electoral battles.

Hemant Soren weathers BJP blitz, returns to power in Jharkhand

Hemant Soren weathers BJP blitz, returns to power in Jharkhand

Rediff.com24 Nov 2024

In a stunning comeback, Hemant Soren's Jharkhand Mukti Morcha-led alliance on Saturday stormed to power in Jharkhand for a second consecutive term, winning 56 seats in the 81-member assembly, despite an all-out blitz by the Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance which managed only 24 seats.

What are India's free trade agreements?

What are India's free trade agreements?

Rediff.com6 May 2025

India finalised a free trade agreement with the UK, its 16th so far as the country aimed at boosting bilateral trade and investments. The other regions and countries with which India has signed such agreements include the four-nation European bloc EFTA, Japan, Korea and Australia.

Modi's warning to Pakistan in Kanpuriya lingo draws cheers

Modi's warning to Pakistan in Kanpuriya lingo draws cheers

Rediff.com30 May 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said the world has seen the power of India's indigenous weapons during Operation Sindoor, which is 'not over yet'.

SC orders implementation of ration scheme till July 31

SC orders implementation of ration scheme till July 31

Rediff.com29 Jun 2021

It asked the Centre to keep allocating food grains to the states, UTs for distribution among migrant workers for free till the pandemic situation exists.

No alliance with Cong for Bengal polls, says Mamata

No alliance with Cong for Bengal polls, says Mamata

Rediff.com11 Feb 2025

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has asserted that the Trinamool Congress (TMC) will return to power with a two-thirds majority in the 2026 Assembly elections in the state and ruled out the possibility of stitching any alliance with the Congress. Banerjee's statement comes amidst speculation over a possible Congress-TMC understanding in West Bengal, following the removal of Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury as state Congress president and the appointment of Subhankar Sarkar. However, Banerjee has categorically stated that the TMC will fight alone and secure a historic victory. The Congress, on the other hand, has responded by saying that regional parties are bothered about the Congress because they have realised their mistake in ignoring the party during the Delhi polls. The BJP has downplayed Banerjee's remarks, stating that the TMC's defeat in the upcoming elections is inevitable. The West Bengal Assembly elections are likely to be held in April-May next year.

Lay down arms or else...: Amit Shah warns Naxals

Lay down arms or else...: Amit Shah warns Naxals

Rediff.com20 Sep 2024

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday appealed to Naxals to give up violence, lay down arms and surrender, saying an all-out operation will otherwise be carried out against them.

Atishi retains 4 ministers, admits a new face

Atishi retains 4 ministers, admits a new face

Rediff.com19 Sep 2024

Aam Aadmi Party MLA Mukesh Ahlawat will be the new face in the Delhi cabinet headed by Atishi, who will be sworn in as chief minister on September 21, and four ministers will be retained, the party said on Thursday.