Iremember how, as a Sub Collector of Ongole in the early 1970s, I was rather surprised when village elders declined my offer to have a proper road to connect their village with the outside world. Improved communications would only mean most unwelcome frequent visits by government officials from various departments; an invitation for harassment and victimisation! Clearly improved communications are not always welcome!

The phenomenon of tribal exploitation had other ramifications in society like the emergence of Left-Wing Extremism (Naxalite) activity, which began originally in Naxalbari district of West Bengal.

I remember as the Chief Secretary of the state of Andhra Pradesh, how the administration was able to open up the Nallamala forest area in that state by laying roads, establishing s

See Full Page