An Evaluation of the Forest Development Corporations of India

Abstract

The origin of Forest Development Corporations (FDCs) in India is traced and their functioning evaluated within their stated objectives by taking a case study of the Orissa Forest Development Corporation. The dualism in their functioning, crept in due to a FDC being a company with commercial objectives, and simultaneously a government organisation burdened with socio-economic objectives, has been brought out. It is argued that all the people-oriented programs should be implemented by the State Forest Departments and the role of FDCs should be limited to commercial ventures by incorporating business management principles required for increasing productivity, accountability and cost effectiveness.