Sivaramakrishna
C/o. Sakti

In such a scenario we introduced the concept of private ownership of land, alien to resource sharing through land pattas in the name of individuals especially mea Panchayati Raj is another political institution on tribals who are practicers of sharing, equality and principles of community development. Panchayats are demanding a levy/share in resources from community lands and usfruct. We want forest management through JFM. A complex bureaucratic/management structure is incorporated in the formation and governance of VSS, forest development and usfruct sharing. The management of local' resources, livelihood and community access is complicated and politicised for the tribal. History notes several such processes by which the tribals are denied traditional rights, impoverished and subjugated.

The AP forest dept. has been a source of finance to the govt. it collects revenues exceeding seventy crores of rupees but invests fifteen crores in forest development. A quick CIS will show that most of the incomes come from areas inhabited by tribals. Now the World Bank has stepped in. Some policy changes have been made and more may come. At best the Bank seems interested in aspects of good public relations portfolios-no displacement of persons from wild life sanctuaries, people's participation, market prices for forest produce, better technology, MIS etc. The NGOs are partners in protecting forests, sharing information and promoting JFM.

Why don't we think of simplifying JFM rather than scaring away the tribals? If so, the first step is to accept the existing resource sharing arrangements among tribals and recognise them as VSS. The next is to document, understand and strengthen such mechanisms to provide simpler VSS systems. Our objective should be to strengthen the basis for healthy community relationship. Thirdly, don't push VSS as the only way to manage livelihoods and forest resources. Fourthly, let the tribals know when the forest dept is planning to cut the trees so that they can understand, co-operate and monitor protection of their forests better. Finally, make the tribal share the repayment of the loan and use the money as sparingly as they have while borrowing from money lenders wanting tied sale of honey and tamarind.

'NOORINTI ADAVI'

"Village communal property is carefully preserved. Topes are the joint property of the villagers and the income therefrom, especially from tamarind, is distributed amongst the shareholders. New-comers have no claim to a share.

The fruit is collected by the villagers income from time to time as it ripens and the yield is then and there distributed among the shareholders. When labour is needed for any Government work, one man from each house is expected to present himself and his wages are distributed amongst all the villagers, the old, the blind, the maimed and the widows all getting a share. Thus it can be seen that the peculiarities of the joint village system are carefully preserved.

Serious crime is rare and theft is almost unknown. In fact, the entrances to the dwellings are not secured by bolts or other fastenings. Harvested crops are leftin the field or threshing-floor and no one is set to watch them. Seldom does a village resound with the quarrels or wrangles of either sex, and in this respect it presents a marked contrast to the frequent street brawls in the so-called civilized towns.

The people live undisturbed by the rush and bustle of the outside world. While the village remains entire and its internal economy undisturbed, the Agency man cares not who administers the land.

Village organisation. - the village resembles a township and consists of communities held together by ties of kinship. Its establishment consists of a munsif or headman, a Pettendar, (V.M.'s assistant) and a village servant (bariki or kolagadu). The munsif has general superintedndence of the village, attends to the police duties and collects revenue. He is not a mere headman "primus inter papes" He is a virtual autocrat. He is the sole representative of the country in its dealings with the Government and with the outside world. He settles all non-religious disputes in the village without the assistance of any council or resorting to the police or courts of law.

It is the custom to settle all religious and social disputes occurring among the inhabitants by arbitration.

These officers receive little pay for their services, but they are entitled to certain small shares or perquisites from the topes of the villages".

NOTE ON THE RAMPA AGENCY
EAST GODAVARI DISTRICT

M.R.Ry. V.N. SESHAGIRI RAO Avargal, B.A..

Extra Assistant Conservator of Forest

MADRAS PRESIDENCY

PRINTED BY THE SUPERINTENDENT GOVERNMENT PRESS
1931.