So runs the conventional wisdom. The recipient gets what they need and the donor gets the jobs to provide it. Take as an example one of the largest projects, the Rihand power station in eastern India. The supply of electricity is fundamental to economic growth.
Shortages can put a brake on development.
But things look different to Haraq, a tribal farmer who lost three acres of land to the smokestack. The authorities will not give me a penny for my land, he said, He has no land deeds. As many as 116 other people are in the same position. Even some who do have deeds are still waiting for compensation. Outside the site offices local people queue for jobs that were promised to each family.