"In India, World Vision (WV) projects itself as a ‘Christian relief and development agency with more than foroty years’ experience in working with the poorest of the poor in India without respect to race, region, religion, gender or caste.’ However, Tehelka has in its possession US-based WV Inc.’s financial statement filed before the Internal Revenue Service, wherein, it is classified as a Church ministry. . . . The Confederate of Indian Industries (CII) in its 2003 financial report states that ‘the Rural Development Department of the Government of Assam recognized WV India as a leading development agency in the state and has recommended that WV be the choice for receiving bilateral funds. The government has also sought WV’s assistance in creating a proposal for US$ 80 million for development work in the state.’ The income and expenditure account for the year ended 30 September 2002 shows that its total income was Rs 95.5 crores, which included foreign contribution of Rs 87.8 crores. For an organisation that claims to be only involved in development and relief work, it is quite stealthy about its positioning and exact nature of activities. Though none of the literature published by WV India even mentions its evangelization missions, foreign publications of WV India proudly proclaim its ‘spiritual’ component. . . . In Mayurbhanj, again in Orissa, World Vision (WV) regularly organises spiritual development programmes as part of its ADP package. The WV report says: ‘Opposition to Christian workers and organisations flares up occasionally in this area, generally from those with vested interests in tribal people remaining illiterate and powerless. WV supports local churches by organising leadership courses for pastors and church leaders.’ World Vision India is active in Bhil tribal areas and openly admits its evangelical intentions: ‘The Bhil people worship ancestral spirits but also celebrate all the Hindu festivals. Their superstitions about evil spirits make them suspicious of change, which hinders community development. ADP staff live among the Bhil people they work with, gaining the villagers’ trust and showing their Christian love for the people by their actions and commitment.’"