Manu Moudgil

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An independent journalist, Moudgil has special interest in health, environment, media issues, legal and consumer affairs. He has worked at various positions with Hindustan Times, Press Trust of India and Mail Today Newspaper. You can reach him at moudgilmanu@gmail.com

Stories from Manu Moudgil

MNREGA
Rural job scheme: Can we get it right?
Rashi Gaba
Manu Moudgil
A compilation of research studies done on the largest job scheme of the world answers most doubts and offers solutions too

THE RURAL job scheme, officially known as Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS), has received more brickbats than bouquets in its six year run. With Rs 1,66,000 crore spent between 2006 and 2012, many call it a government dole rife with corruption and lack of long term vision. Lately, claims about its negative impact on agriculture have also been made. So what does a number of studies analysing both pros and cons of the scheme tell us?

Hilltemple
On the knees to nature
Manu Moudgil

The famous rat temple near Bikaner is just one of the several instances of a conservation practice common to Rajasthan

VISIT MATA Karni Devi Temple at Deshnoke village near Bikaner and you won't be surprised by the rats scurrying freely in the shrine's precincts. Travel shows, including those on Discovery and National Geographic channels, have already covered the uniqueness extensively. The rodents, regarded as reincarnations of the goddess’s devotees, underscore the divine relationship we share with other living beings. However, a much deeper relation with nature is evident on the 2,100 hectare woodland near the temple which is regarded sacred. Called 'Oran' or 'Devbani' in local parlance

Water supply
Treasuring every drop
Manu Moudgil

Lakholaav pond near Nagaur is a perfect example of community cooperation for water conservation

IN THE  times when tapped water supply is considered an absolute sign of development, the traditional water harvesting systems are losing their age-old relevance. This is why the Lakholaav pond in Rajasthan assumes greater significance. Located at Marwar Mundwa town in Nagaur district, Lakholaav is an exception. As ponds in other towns have shrunk due to encroachments and dumping of garbage, Lakholaav is providing drinking water to the town the whole year round. Citizens as well as the municipal committee take utmost care ensuring cleanliness and efficient management.

Forest produce 1
Fruits of conservation
Manu Moudgil

Forest management gets easy when benefits are shared with communities as was done in Oghna forest range

IGNP canal, Jaisalmer
Scam of a canal
Manu Moudgil

The Indira Gandhi canal project conjures a mirage of surplus water in Thar desert and hides a reality of official loot

Right To Service, Punjab
Service to people: Punjab yet to get it right
Manu Moudgil

Low public awareness and lack of support system has reduced the Right To Service Act in Punjab to a political gimmick 

Right To Information Act
Immune to accountability- II
Manu Moudgil

Second part of the series done for The Hoot analyses CIC's decisions on serious issues including mercy petitions, phone tapping and bank details

RIght To Information
Immune to accountability
Manu Moudgil

Public officers have been wrongly invoking exemptions under national interest to deny information under the RTI Act. A two-part series done for The Hoot tracks denials and the CIC's approach.

Sunflowers grown using sewage waste
Sewage makes a thousand flowers bloom
Manu Moudgil

In Punjab's Doaba region treated sewage water is being used to grow crops thus turning waste into a highly useful entity

Forest cover
The green cover-up
Manu Moudgil

A look at how misleading policies are fueling the delusion that India’s green cover is expanding

Water aquifiers
Drinking from the stream of traditional knowledge
Manu Moudgil

Revival of valid practices in water conservation is not only ensuring prosperity but also empowering people to challenge inefficient governance in Rajasthan

No vacancy
Employment exchange gets out of work
Manu Moudgil

While online job sites make quick buck, employment exchanges have turned into inefficient public offices thanks to complete disregard to rules

child labour
Labouring to learning. Will the RTE Act deliver?
Manu Moudgil

The landmark legislation does not specifically address child labour without which the objective of universal education will remain a mirage

hiv bill
Reaching out for better care and attention
Manu Moudgil

Millions of people living with HIV/AIDS in India are disappointed with the latest response of Union Health Ministry to the much delayed HIV/AIDS Bill. Are we back to square one?

discontent
Seeds of discontent
Manu Moudgil

Costly corporate seeds are not only jacking up our food bill but also affecting community sharing

blood
Getting informed and surviving the skirmish
Manu Moudgil

RTI activists are increasingly falling to bullets for exposing wrongdoings in public affairs. Is there any way out?

Biodiversity
Biodiversity in danger, is anyone listening?
Manu Moudgil

A round up of how little is being done to save our flora and fauna and why we lose out on patents of our traditional products

Right To Information Act
Five years of the sunshine Act
Manu Moudgil

RTI Act has ensured transparency and accountability in governance. GOI Monitor maps its performance over last five years to highlight the hits and misses

Patent
Generic drugs: Let's get the obit ready
Manu Moudgil


The EU-India free trade agreement may be good for economy but it is bound to increase your medical bill

paid news
Falling to the bait
Manu Moudgil

Leaked PCI report nails down the publications which blatantly offered their news space for money during 2009 Lok Sabha elections

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