Morning Digest | Government forms panel to look into MGNREGA’s efficacy; States ask Centre to curb its cess habit, and more

Here’s a select list of stories to read before you start your day

Government forms panel to look into MGNREGA’s efficacy

The Central government has constituted a committee to review the implementation of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) scheme, especially to assess the program’s efficacy as a poverty alleviation tool. The committee, headed by former Rural Development secretary Amarjeet Sinha, had its first meeting on November 21, 2022, and has been given three months to submit its suggestions.

States ask Centre to curb its cess habit

Several States, including some governed by the BJP, on Friday, urged the Centre to rein in its reliance on raising revenues through cesses and surcharges which reduce their share in the divisible pool of taxes. They also sought greater fiscal support to help revive the economy and reiterated demands for extending the Goods and Services Tax (GST) compensation period.

Bengaluru voter data collection | Election Commission suspends two electoral officials

The Election Commission of India on Friday suspended two electoral officials in relation to allegations of voter fraud and the allegedly illegal collection of voter data by a private firm in the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) area.

Assam boundary killing | Meghalaya government moves NHRC, says clear violation of human rights