Paradigm shift in engaging civil society for development initiatives: the Indian experience

Abstract

This paper presents an illustrative model case study from India focusing on the experience of forest protection committees in tribal‐majority regions of the country. The issue deals with the “direct conflict of interests” between tribal communities and the development interventions over access to the same natural resources. It presents a case for ‘‘neoliberal’’ reforms that I geared towards public expenditure to priority areas targeting grassroots communities.