JHARKHAND

Study: panchayats fail to generate own funds

A recent study by Participatory Research In Asia reveals that in Jharkhand panchayats are lagging behind in generating their own funds. The comparative study with adjoining states shows that the potential of the panchayats for revenue generation has remained unused in Jharkhand.

“PRIA’s study finds that panchayats in Jharkhand are dis-enabled to generate their own resources. The average gram panchayat does not collect any tax, and does not utilize the economic value of common public resources to generate revenues.

Most elected panchayat are aware of the importance of own revenue generation, but do not have the powers and capacities to collect funds. Often the State does not support panchayats to develop these resources, and revenue options remain unexplored. This needs to be addressed on a priority basis.

The study also analyzes data from states adjoining Jharkhand. It finds that panchayats in the southern states perform better in generating own resources. Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh generate more than Rs200 to 300 per capita, even though their own resource potential continues to be underutilized. The gap in own resource generation by local governments in northern India compared to those in southern India perhaps also explains the disparity in development between north and south India.

Based on comparative national and international data on resource generation by local governments, panchayats in Jharkhand could generate Rs500 per capita per year. This means Jharkhand, with over 4000 gram panchayats and a total rural population of about 3 crore, could generate Rs1,500 crore of own resources annually for investment in public goods.

The PRIA study calls out State Governments for not devolving actual power and authority to local governments. Devolution has not been actualized as operational rule books and enabling structures are not provided to support devolution.

INTERNATIONAL

World Kidney Day 2018: 8 March

World Kidney Day is observed annually on the 2nd Thursday in March.

World Kidney Day (WKD) is a global health awareness campaign focusing on the importance of the kidneys and reducing the frequency and impact of kidney disease and its associated health problems worldwide.

World Kidney Day is a joint initiative of the International Society of Nephrology (ISN) and the International Federation of Kidney Foundations (IFKF).

India to give UN $15.82m for Nepal quake reconstruction

India has pledged 15.82 million dollars in assistance to quake-ravaged Nepal for its massive reconstruction programme.

India signed an agreement in this regard with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) to build 50000 homes for the quake victims.

As per the agreement, the Indian Government will give 8.41 million US dollars to the UNOPS and 7.41 Million US dollar to the UNDP.

· UK college to teach Hinglish to students for jobs in India

UK’s Portsmouth Collegehas offered to teach its students ‘Hinglish‘, a mix of Hindi and English languages, becoming the country’s first educational institutionto do so.
The course is being introduced partly due to India’s growing economic importance and to prepare British students who may take up jobs in India or in Indian companies based in the UK.

NATIONAL

PM launches National Nutrition Mission

On the occasion of International Women’s Day, the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, launched the National Nutrition Mission, and expansion of the coverage of Beti Bachao Beti Padhao programme, at Jhunjhunu in Rajasthan.

He also interacted with beneficiary mothers and girl children of the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao programme.

The Prime Minister awarded certificates to the best performing districts under the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao programme.

Government announces launch of ‘SUVIDHA’

Union Minister for Chemicals & Fertilizers and Parliamentary Affairs, Shri Ananth kumar announced the launch of ‘Suvidha’, the 100% Oxo-biodegradable Sanitary Napkin, under the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP).

The affordable sanitary napkin will be available for Rs. 2.50 per pad at over 3200 Janaushadhi Kendras across India and would ensure ‘Swachhta, Swasthya and Suvidha’for the underprivileged Women of India.

This step taken by the Department of Pharmaceuticals will ensure the achievement of Prime Minster Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of Affordable and Quality Healthcare for All.

Udyam Sakhi Portal Launched for Women Entrepreneurs

On the occasion of International Women’s Day today, March 8,the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises(MSME) launched a portal for women entrepreneursof India: www.udyamsakhi.org.

The portal was unveiled by the Minister of State (Independent Charge) of MSME, Giriraj Singh, in a program.

The Minister said that India has around 8 million women who have started and are running their own businesses and the Ministry of MSME believes that the women in India can play a vital role in the growth of the Indian economy.

The portal is a network for nurturing entrepreneurship and creating business models for low cost products and services in order to empower women and make them self-reliant and self-sufficient.

Delhi Police launches All Women Patrolling Squad to strengthen women safety

On the eve of International Women’s Day, the Delhi police launched an “All-women patrolling squad”.

With the motto – Be the change, you want to see – wearing on their sleeves, the women suad riding mean machine in Delhi’s south district aims to protect women from cat-callers and instil a sense of confidence among women.

The squad was launched in the form of a ‘road trip’ from Sarojni Nagar to Select Citywalk Mall in Saket.

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