Officials said as part of the reorganisation in the Commission, a move is afoot to strengthen the PEO with new roles, powers and jurisdiction.

New body to replace Plan panel might retain 40% of existing staff

India's Planning Commission has 31 divisions and seven attached offices, which include the Unique Identification Authority of India and Independent Evaluation Office.

Khajura Ram fears more the impact of an uneven monsoon on wheat, chana and mustard, sowing for which, he says, starts immediately after Diwali.

Drought fears will subside if the momentum generated is maintained in August.

Kharif sowing till June 20 almost 18 per cent less than last year; 328 districts under watch, based on rains in the first 15 days

Monsoon is expected to cover central and eastern India after Tuesday.

The prices of oilseed, coarse cereals & vegetables could also be affected.

Since 2004, Montek Singh Ahluwalia, one of the commission's longest serving deputy chairmen, has been trying to mould it to fit into the new economic order, without much to show for his efforts.

Will give truer reflection on price movements of food products, impact of cereal procurement prices.

Climate change can impact the amount and quality of livestock produce,says a report released by inter-governmental panel.

State governments want the Centre to direct the 14th Finance Commission to compensate states for implementing pay scales, to be recommended by the pay panel.

According to the final recommendations of an expert committee, the weight of primary (unprocessed) food items will go down by 0.5-1.0 percentage points in the new series compared to the current one

Infrastructure investments in politically-expedient sectors such as water supply, sanitation and irrigation have seen an increase during the first year of the 12th Five-Year Plan (2012-13 to 2016-17), but the same did not get replicated in other critical sectors.

Cabinet note being readied, on basis of study, to ensure against foodgrain shortage; might require buffer of up to 50% more.