Two more people drop out of the National Advisory Council. Mihir Shah and Ashish Mondol relinquished their charges as Members of the NAC today. It was conveyed to Rita Sharma, Secretary NAC today. Their term ends today and they have requested that they be relieved of their responsibilities.

It may be recalled that civil society activist Aruna Roy, who quit the National Advisory Council two days ago, had expressed dissatisfaction with the way the body was run. "There has been a clear lack of political will (in taking up social welfare legislations) and disarray in Parliament, not only on the part of the government but also other political parties," she had said.

Her decision reflects the growing disillusionment of civil society leaders with the government after having helped shape Congress's social welfare agenda.