Government’s Own Data Indicates Deep Faults in School Education Policy
The results of the central government’s education survey show that families continue to carry most of the financial burden of school education, with low government support despite high enrolment in public schools. The data also reveals stark differences in the quality of education and resources available to children, depending on their location, gender and type of school.
Madhya Pradesh Prioritises Cow Welfare Over Dalit, Tribal Uplift
Madhya Pradesh is reportedly allocating money intended for the welfare of scheduled castes (SC) and scheduled tribes (ST) to develop religious sites, museums and cow welfare initiatives. This shift in priorities comes as crimes against these marginalised communities have seen a steep increase.
Is Central Govt Shifting Development Responsibility to States and Private Sector?
The central government’s infrastructure spending, or capex, will remain at 3.4 percent of GDP, Economic Affairs Secretary Ajay Seth said in an interview with ThePrint. This decision, outlined during the announcement of the Union Budget 2024, signals a significant shift in strategy. Seth said it’s now up to state governments and the private sector to step up their investments in infrastructure. Is this move good for the country’s growth and beneficial for its people?
80 Million Workers Delisted from MGNREGS in 2 Years: Report
As many as 80 million registered workers have been delisted from the central government’s Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) over the past two years, according to a report by two civil society groups.
BJP Used Millions in Taxpayer Money to Promote Election Slogans
A media report points to the use of taxpayer money by the Central Bureau of Communication (CBC) to fund advertisements that closely mirror the campaign slogans of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). This expenditure of nearly 387 million rupees by the CBC, a non-partisan government body, blurs the lines between state and party, thereby undermining the principles of democratic fairness and institutional integrity.
How Much Does the Government Invest in Our Healthcare?
Amid a severe healthcare crisis triggered by COVID-19, the financial commitment of the government to healthcare seems to be dwindling, according to a report which evaluates the central government’s performance over the last 10 years. It points out that the allocation to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has decreased from 2.16% of the total government expenditure in 2019-20 to 1.9% in 2024-25.
How Much Have You Paid in Taxes Over the Last 10 Years?
Over the last decade, the tax burden on India’s middle and lower-income groups has significantly increased, while the nation’s wealthiest have continued to pay disproportionately less, revealing a deepening divide in fiscal responsibility amidst modest overall tax revenue growth, according to a report by the Financial Accountability Network–India.
The Worsening Plight of Farmers Over the Past Decade
The central government set a target to double farmers’ incomes by 2022, from 8,058 rupees a month to 22,610 rupees, necessitating an annual income growth rate of 10.4%. It also promised that agricultural produce would be procured at a “minimum support price” (MSP) of at least one and a half times the comprehensive cost of production. Despite these plans, the reality on the ground has been starkly different, according to an analysis by the Financial Accountability Network – India.
India’s Interim Budget 2024: What’s in It for Us?
India’s “interim” Union Budget for 2024-25, presented on Feb. 1, when analysed for its impact on the average citizen, particularly those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, uncovers several problematic aspects in key sectors such as education and health.
Why Governments Spend More During Elections
As the general elections approach this year, it is anticipated that government debt will rise, a trend commonly observed as governments tend to increase spending during election periods to bolster their chances of retaining power. This practice, recurring in almost every election season and observed globally, has mistakenly been normalised, with its significant impact on us, the ordinary citizens, often being overlooked.
India’s Fiscal Deficit Looks Set to Surpass Target
India’s fiscal deficit is likely to exceed the 5.9% of gross domestic product (GDP) target, according to India Ratings and Research. Though by a small margin, the increase could have several implications for the Indian economy and its citizens.
India’s Budget Tricks: What’s in it for Me as a Citizen?
Imagine your family has a budget for home improvements—things like fixing the roof, upgrading the kitchen, or building a new garage. Now, what if someone in the family proudly announced, “We’ve tripled our budget for improvements!” but then used the money to pay off debts or go on a vacation?
Suffering Rises Due to Lowest-Ever MGNREGS Funding
Funding cuts to the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) is straining rural India, as was expected. About 93% of this year’s budget is already spent in the first half, according to a report by the Economic Times.