The central argument put forward by proponents of the World Bank's involvement in oil, gas and mining projects is that the Bank's presence ensures compliance with higher environmental and social standards than would be the case without its involvement. However, the case of Coal India - an open-pit coal mine in Jharkand state - casts serious doubt on this argument.
India
IFI governance
News
Controversial Indian dam approved
In October the Bank's board approved a $45 million loan from the International Finance Corporation, for the controversial Allain Duhangan hydropower project in the Indian Himalayas.
Social services
Commentary
Contradictions in the World Banks India Country Assistance Strategy
In August, representatives of social movements, national alliances and civil society organisations met in New Delhi and issued a statement explicitly rejecting the Bank's strategy for India.
Rights
News
The power of the vote
Chandrababu Naidu, ex- chief minister lost the vote in the recent elections.
Rights
News
Peoples' movement tackles IFI anniversary
A special publication by the National Alliance of Peoples' Movements India features a range of critical articles on international financial institutions.
Rights
News
World Bank Loans to Andhra Pradesh: Financing bloodshed and impunity?
Human rights activists in Andhra Pradesh have strongly objected to World Bank plans for a new economic reform loan to the state government.
Rights
News
WSF 2004: IMF, World Bank “out of South”
Over 100,000 participants were drawn to this year's World Social Forum (WSF) in Mumbai, 16 - 21 January. Held on an enormous industrial complex in the north of the city, the panels, workshops, and cultural displays were held in hangars previously used as stage sets and ad-hoc tents. Innumerable marches poured through the streets outside, powerfully illustrating the depth of grassroots organising in India.
Rights
Commentary
Governance & Police impunity in Andhra Pradesh
Statement by two Indian human rights group urging the World Bank not to approve a major loan to the state of Andra Pradesh on 16 December. The statement outlines many problems with human rights and governance in the state and argues that a loan at this time of crisis and instability would embolden the government to continue with its repressive policies, while civil society groups would not be in a position to criticise improper utilization of the loans.
Accountability
News
Coal India: Bank Board demands minimal action
The World Bank Board has responded to a critical findings of its own Inspection Panel, but has done little to remedy the situation of the local people who have suffered.
Rights
News
Coal India letter gets strong backing
115 civil society groups backed a letter urging the World Bank Board to endorse an action plan for remedial measures on the Coal India project. The local NGO, which brought a successful claim to the Bank's Inspection Panel, has demanded that action be taken to compensate people who have lost their land and livelihoods. The Bank's management took a surprisingly long time to file its response to the Panel report, and as the Panel has no ability to enforce action by the Bank, civil society groups d
Environment
News
Coal India letter gets strong backing
115 civil society groups backed a letter urging the World Bank Board to endorse an action plan for remedial measures on the Coal India project.
Social services
News
Bengal opposition to Bank-backed water tax
Residents of the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) area in West Bengal will be the first to pay a new tax on water.
