The paper shows that frontline functionaries, only loosely connected to the government before colonisation, subsequently became government employees, as the government sought to increase the efficiency of revenue collection from land and forests, and to maintain order. Because the colonial government minimized administrative costs, it paid frontline functionaries very poorly, placed them near the bottom of an extremely hierarchical bureaucratic structure and provided them with minimal promotion avenues. Frontline functionaries were not considered worthy of serious responsibility, expected to follow orders, had little education and training and were treated harshly by senior officials. Consequently, their performance was unsatisfactory. They were often corrupt and exploited the community.

The paper can be accessed by clicking here

https://cprindia.org/workingpapers/frontline-functionaries-in-india-the-absent-policy/

This paper has been authored by Rashmi Sharma from CPR.