In a letter to Vijay Rupani, chief minister of Gujarat, 40 senior experts and activists* have sought emergency support for urban informal sector workers in cities of Gujarat to combat COVID-19 pandemic. Text of the letter: We are writing to you on behalf of a network of civil society organisations, researchers, urban practitioners, informal sector … More Need for emergency support for urban informal sector workers of Gujarat to combat COVID-19

In the wake of 21-days lockout, the Jharkhand Janadhikar Mahasabha has demanded immediate expansion of welfare, testing and health services in the state. Text of the statement: Jharkhand, like most of India, has woken up late to the COVID-19 pandemic and is yet to provide adequate social security to the people. Although no COVID-19 case … More PDS coverage should be made universal in rural areas, urban slums, all working people

Letter sent to Central and state governments by the NREGA Sangharsh Morcha,  endorsed by more than 50 senior activists and experts*, seeking emergency measures to deal with COVID 19: The COVID 19 pandemic continues to be a serious public health issue and will possibly have a devastating impact on the lives and livelihoods of crores of … More COVID 19: Strides in public welfare plans over the years can help provide necessary relief to needy

By Vidya Bhushan Rawat* Years ago, when I could not get a reservation to return to Delhi from Deoria, I boarded a bus for Lucknow at 4:30 in the evening, hoping that it would take me there late in the night and would then board another bus for Delhi. But the bus got stuck in … More Fear of coronavirus killing poor, no customers at dhabas, tea shops along modern expressway

By Moin Qazi* Mhaswad village is a mere blip on India’s vast geographic radar but it shines brightly  on the country’s development landscape.The lodestar in this parched village is an intrepid and passionate woman with a unique brand of determination. A woman of strong convictions, 60- year old Chetna Gala Sinha believes that emancipation of … More Leading a rural crusade, this microfinance banker trains women as barefoot professionals

By Neeraj Nanda* Anand Kulkarni’s book ‘India and the Knowledge Economy – Performance, Perils, and Prospects’, Springer, was launched in Melbourne on 28 November 2019. The book asks fundamental questions about the extent to which India is participating in the global shift towards knowledge-based forms of competitiveness. It charts Indian performance and progress using a … More Any turmoil, be it religious, caste or social, is bound to be problematic for India’s economy

By Aswati Warrier* Standing in a school ground under a cluster of trees, with nearly a 100 pair of curious eyes upon us, we started to broach the sensitive topic of child sexual abuse. The discomfort was palpable, but the conversation was crucial. Pulling the issue from under the rug, we visited 20 schools in … More Walking with the children on child safety: Visiting schools in Sira, Karnataka