The legendary Gandhian
Pakistani social scientist Akhtar Hameed Khan, is remembered, on his first death anniversary, for his achievements in the field of urban management
MGNREGA protest crosses 40 days, activists seek legal aid for workers
Multiple violations of the MGNREGA make it a textbook case of approaching the judiciary, Prashant Bhushan said
Eucalyptus, acacia and teak, not Sal: Why CAG is critical of Odisha’s afforestation efforts
There was an ‘acute shortfall’ in achieving plantation targets in Odisha due to lack of coordination, working plan, improper …
Mainstreaming climate resilience through MGNREGS: Learning from Tamil Nadu’s Tiruvannamalai
The district set a record for creating 1,121 farm ponds in 30 days in September 2021, in line with the recently launched state climate mission
COVID-19: How heat stress affected livelihood, health of Maharashtra’s rural communities
The COVID-19 situation may improve with increased vaccinations, but temperatures will continue to rise for the foreseeable future, putting …
How historical methods helped landless farmers earn a living
Farmers revive traditional retention ponds that drain water during floods and retain moisture in droughts
Water-stressed in India: Curious case of 2 neighbouring Telangana districts
The contrast in the districts’ JSA rankings was due to proper implementation of schemes
Irrigation sector gets boost in Union Budget
Apart from generous budgetary allocation, the government will utilise MGNREGS to increase the water harvesting potential of drought-affected …
Political economy of welfare
The BJP-led government's change of heart for big-ticket rural programmes says a lot about its dwindling political fortune
Rivulet resurrected in 45 days
Thousands of people working under NREGS bring a 38 km stream back from the dead in Uttar Pradesh
Protocol to protect RTI activists in the works
If a single panchayat-level activist can expose corruption worth Rs 25 lakh, then each needs protection for effective implementation of …
A million opportunities lost
The ruling alliance’s flagship rural employment programme took unprecedented strides in creating water conservation structures across the …
Mr Prime Minister good news
The finance minister has said that the government is committed to double farmers' income in five years. Here are a few villages across the …
How tribal leadership in Chhattisgarh is helping people access rights
The civil society’s intervention in the tribal regions began in early 1980s on two issues-sustainable livelihood, particularly in forest …
Sure cure: how to tackle India's undernutrition crisis in 10 steps
The finance ministry and the planning department can play an overarching role by ensuring health programmes get sufficient resources
After a week in office, Modi government sets its agenda
The new government faces its first parliamentary session. Down To Earth puts together the agenda of the government in key sectors
‘My mentor Laurie Baker’
BENNY KURIAKOSE began his architecture career in 1984. He was one of the privileged few who worked under the tutelage of Laurie Baker which …
Union Budget 2021-22: Time to step up public investment in nutrition
Nutrition interventions, with an already faltering coverage, hit a blockade due to COVID-19 disruptions; the Union Budget is a critical …
COVID-19: Even skilled workers line up for MGNREGA in Kurukshetra
With economic recovery uncertain, those who would earlier avoid central job schemes are now ready to take up work
Usage of toilets in India is over 95 per cent, reveals new NSSO survey
This finding is, however, from a two-month rapid survey, considered too short by experts
COVID-19 second wave: Rural demand may be hit despite normal monsoon
Out-of-pocket expenses on health in rural areas may push millions into poverty, warn experts
NDA introduces changes in MGNREGA
Rural development ministry to make social audit compulsory; create more durable assets in blocks and districts, instead of villages
Will rural flagship schemes change under Modi?
Officials admit that MGNREGS and rural road development programmes suffered shortcomings in UPA regime
Budget 2020-21: Will MGNREGA become an overarching rural development scheme
The upcoming budget will see many schemes being brought under the rural employment prtogramme; a direct cash transfer may be declared to top this up
'Social protection: a safety net for agricultural households'
In the run up to World Food Day on October 16, a Food and Agriculture Organization report focuses on the role of social protection in …