Census details show spread of mobiles, TVs, bank accounts, even in poverty-stricken states household power connections still a big lack

The past decade has seen the weakest sections of the society make rapid gains in their material wellbeing, acquiring assets such as cell phones, televisions, two-wheelers and bank accounts, though almost half the population of scheduled castes and tribes (SC and ST) continue to live by the light of the humble kerosene lamp, much more than the national number of 31 per cent.

A firm decision will improve the health of OMCs, government finances and rural citizens who use kerosene

In line with the falling global prices, petrol may be made cheaper by around Rs 2 a litre later this week, creating political legroom for a diesel price revision. This will be the second price cut in the month after the Rs 7.54 increase last month triggered strong political opposition. On June 2, petrol was brought down by Rs 2.02 to Rs 71.16 a litre in the capital.

Oil marketing companies review petrol prices, vis-a-vis the average international price, on a fortnightly basis. “When the price was cut on June 2, the average international price was $115.81 per barrel, against $124.42 in the fortnight when the price was increased by Rs 6.28 excluding taxes.

New Delhi: Highlighting irregularities and delays in the issuing of BPL and ration cards, the CAG report has slammmed the food and supplies department for its functioning.

From identification of fewer than targeted families to not lifting adequate ration supplies from godowns to non-submission of utilisation certificates, the report of the Comptroller and Auditor Gen

2/3rd Plan Outlay Earmarked For Social Sector

Q&A JAIRAM RAMESH RURAL DEVELOPMENT MINISTER

Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Jaipal Reddy said on Monday that there was no proposal before the government now to increase the prices of diesel, domestic LPG and kerosene.

No timeframe was set for the Empowered Group of Ministers (EGoM) to meet to consider such an increase. “We are not considering any hike in the prices of diesel, domestic LPG and kerosene. It is out of the question right now,” he told journalists after meeting Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee to discuss the impact of the fuel price hike on inflation.

With emphasis in the 12th Plan on the social services sectors for achieving more inclusive growth, the Delhi Budget has allocated Rs.9,796 crore or 65 per cent of the total Plan outlay of Rs.15,000 for 2012-13 on this sector.

The money, Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit said, will be used for various social welfare schemes. These include the Dilli Annashree Scheme, under which two lakh vulnerable households would be provided food subsidy of Rs.600 per month as cash transfer. The amount would be paid to the senior-most female member of each household.