Carnegie Endowment for International Peace S Asia Centre in New Delhi

The delegation led by Sir Richard Giordano, Chairman, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace included Shri Sunil Bharti Mittal, Chairman & Group CEO, Bharti Enterprises and Member of the Board of Trustees, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace among others.

Ms. Jessica Mathews, President, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace said, " Given India`s vital geo-political importance, Carnegie is eager to explore creating a South Asia centre here. We are greatly encouraged by the interest shown by senior Indian officials and leaders in this regard."

Carnegie Endowment is exploring to set-up its South Asia Centre in New Delhi, India. The Carnegie Endowment, founded in 1910, is a private, non-profit organization dedicated to advancing cooperation between nations and promoting active international engagement by the United States.

Independent audit mechanism to be set up in states.

Rural Development Ministry plans to set up an independent audit mechanism in the states for better coordination and implementation of Central programmes. Talking to reporters in New Delhi, Rural Development Minister, Jairam Ramesh said that the proposed audit mechanism will streamline the implementation of Mahatama Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme, MNREGS and Pradhanmantri Gram Sadak Yojana in many states.

Mr. Ramesh said that the government will also set up special MNREGS courts at panchayat level to combat corruption. These courts, he said that will expedite action against embezzlement of funds meant for the jobs in the scheme. The Minister said that the government will consult the Supreme Court in this matter.

The Andhra Pradesh government has already initiated process to adopt the unique mechanism proposed by the union Rural development Ministry.