The western countries started the path of ‘Development’ in developing countries assuming and claiming that there was ‘underdevelopment’ in these countries and they were to be led on the path of development administration in order to be modernized which was similar to be westernized. In the above statement critically examine the anti- development thesis.

Answer: How to approach: In this question one need to examine the above statement from the side of anti-development thesis i.e. by stating the alternative thinking of the above thought.

Green Belt movement, Chipko Andolan, movement against corporate sector on overuse of ground water are some of the examples of anti-development approach.

This model of development was more capital intensive and technology centered and wanted to improve the techno-managerial aspect of administration

This approach was countered by anti-developmental theorists. Anti-development supporters argue that it is not the matter of identifying most efficient way of delivering development but they questioned the very concept of development.

Traditionally development meant economic growth but scholars had begun to define it in terms of human values: quality of life, distribution, satisfaction of basic needs.’

They opined that the real aim of western development is linked to modernization which is basically a way of increasing dependency of developing countries on of western world.

They out rightly reject the western model of development administration. They are not anti-development per se. They say that there is no fixed approach to develop a country. This theory explores alternative ways of resource management, development of native industries, identification of local needs, micro planning and sustainable development.

It advocates for a strong involvement of civil society and community-based organisations. It is a bottom-up approach to development unlike the western model in which solutions were imposed from above without understanding the ground realities.

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