While forests are a key part of the country’s ecosystem, they are also a source of livelihood for poor households. The State of Forest Report 2005 estimates that while 20.6% of India’s geographical area is covered by forests, about 29% of the country’s villages are dependent on them. Often, local people have had to pay bribes to forest officials ahead of collecting and selling forest produce such as timber and herbs. A Transparency International India-Centre for Media Studies survey estimates that one in five of the below poverty line, or BPL, households paid bribes. It estimates that the total amount of bribes paid by these households in 2007 aggregated Rs24.08 crore.
To see Transparency International - CMS Survey,click here
ALSO SEE
Click here to view the surveys published in 2008
Click here to view the surveys published in 2007