corruption in rural employment

The BJD has accused postal department employees in Koraput and Nabarangpur of a Rs 50 crore scam under MGNREGS and welfare schemes. They allege fraudulent transactions and manipulation of beneficiary records. The ruling BJP dismissed the claims as politically motivated, promising a fair investigation and action against any guilty parties.

As part of the reshuffle, Vijay retained the Poverty Alleviation portfolio and reassigned the Women Welfare department, previously held by him, to newly inducted minister K Jegadeshwari. Congress leaders S Rajesh Kumar and P Viswanathan have been allotted the Tourism and Higher Education portfolios, respectively. Another TVK minister, Mohamed Farvas, has been allocated the Labour Welfare and Skill Development portfolio.

West Bengal's new BJP government is enacting swift policy changes, replacing TMC schemes with central programs like Ayushman Bharat and Annapurna Yojna. Mandatory 'Vande Mataram' in schools, revised OBC reservations, and increased age limits for government jobs are among the key decisions. The administration is also scrutinizing caste certificates and initiating corruption probes.

Bardhaman Dakshin, a key Purba Bardhaman constituency, blends urban and rural voters with significant minority presence. Historically a Left bastion, it's now a TMC stronghold, facing a bipolar contest with the BJP. Urban infrastructure, healthcare, and employment are major voter concerns. This seat, with its articulate middle class, holds symbolic political weight for the region.

What began in 2011 as a movement against the Left Front’s stagnation had, by 2026, come full circle. Mamata Banerjee had once represented disruption and hope. Over time, her regime became associated with a different vocabulary. Words like “cut money”, “syndicate control”, and “tolabazi” became shorthand for everyday governance failures. This was not merely opposition rhetoric, it was a lived experience. From construction projects to small household repairs, local syndicates were perceived to control economic activity.

Few state polls have been as dramatic as this round. TOI explains the verdicts through 10 decisive factors, from freebies becoming entitlements to women’s safety, and from Hindu vote to Gen Z angst

Recent state election results reveal a resurgence of anti-incumbency, Hindu vote consolidation, and the enduring appeal of Narendra Modi. Factors like women's safety concerns, the rise of cash transfer schemes, and Gen Z's political awakening also played significant roles. The article delves into these ten decisive elements shaping India's electoral landscape.

Anti-incumbency against Trinamool is high, but BJP’ll still find it tough. Four reasons: disconnect with Bengali ‘culture’, immigration isn’t a big issue, anger over SIR, GOI blamed for ‘discontinuing’ rural jobs scheme

Former AIADMK minister C Ve Shanmugam's entry into Mailam constituency has intensified the electoral battle, blending caste dynamics, alliance strength, and candidate influence. Shanmugam, backed by AIADMK and PMK, faces DMDK's L Venkatesan, who leverages DMK front support and his party's legacy. Developmental issues also remain a key concern for voters.

DMK leader expresses confidence in victory despite a multi-cornered contest, highlighting welfare initiatives and exemplary governance. He dismisses rumors of alliance discord and defends the party's approach to smaller partners. The chief minister frames the election as 'Team Tamil Nadu vs Team Delhi,' asserting the state's resistance to centralized control.

The Sanakhemundi block development officer in Ganjam district has been issued a showcause notice for gross irregularities and financial misappropriation under the MGNREGS. A government inspection revealed significant procedural violations, excess wage payments, and falsified records, leading to a demand for explanation within 15 days.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah unveiled the BJP's election manifesto in Kolkata, promising Rs 3,000 monthly direct cash transfers to women, merit-based employment, and 33% job reservation for women if the party forms the government in West Bengal.

Actor Vijay's new political party, TVK, is making a bold solo bid in the 2026 Tamil Nadu elections, challenging the state's long-standing alliance-driven politics. Historically, success hinges on coalitions, not standalone appeal. TVK's gamble aims for direct leadership, but faces the challenge of converting visibility into seats without established networks, potentially acting as a vote-splitter.

Campaigning for the NDA candidates in Mannadipet, Shah said the amount lost to corruption could have funded three years of Puducherry’s budget.

Bihar's rural development department is launching a comprehensive social audit of all MGNREGA projects at the panchayat level. With central funding secured, district-level societies will conduct third-party assessments to ensure transparency, curb corruption, and verify that funds are effectively utilized for rural infrastructure and livelihood projects, benefiting the intended recipients.

Actor Vijay Thalapathy's new party, TVK, is emerging as a third option in Tamil Nadu politics, challenging the long-standing dominance of DMK and AIADMK. With populist welfare promises and a strong social media presence, TVK aims to capture the significant unaligned vote, though electoral history suggests challenges remain.

The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB)’s Surendranagar division caught Raghu Bavaliya, sarpanch of Dhinkvali village in Sayla taluka, accepting a bribe of Rs 1,800 on Friday.