Studies on displacement and rehabilitation have occupied centre stage in the contemporary discourse on development issues. The primary concern of these studies revolved around the issues of economic vs social cost, the local antagonism towards big dams, the policy of the state on displacement and rehabilitation and the macro-level evaluation of large dams. They either condemned, in an emotional way, the Government's insensitivity towards the alarming issue of displacement or highlighted the immediate effect of dislocation. Most of these studies treated the displaced peopel as homogeneous entity ingnoring thereby the cultural variations. Such a trend threw little light on the intricate relationship between social life and displacement. Anthropological studies on the impact of dislocation and resettlemtn on the social structure of the displaced community, especially focussing on the process of change, have rarely been undertaken. By incisiverly analysing the impact of displacement and rehabilitation on the social structure of the Paraja, a hill tribe of highland Orissa, this bok has gone beyond the traditional framework of understanding displacement and involuntary resettlement.
Compulsory land acquisition and involuntary displacement of communities for a larger public purpose captures the tension of development in the modern state, with the need to balance the interests of the majority while protecting the rights of the minority. In India, informal estimates of involuntary resettlement are estimated to be around 50 million people over the last five decades, and three-fourths of those displaced still face an uncertain future. Growing public concern over the long-term consequences of this has led to greater scrutiny of the rehabilitation and resettlement process, particularly for large development projects. This book examines a number of new policy formulations put in place at both the central and state levels, looking at land acquisition procedures and norms for rehabilitation and resettlement of communities. The book combines a theoretical analysis of the proposed regulatory framework with detailed case studies that examine the application of these norms in specific geographic contexts across the country. It brings together contributory analysis by some of the country’s most engaged administrators, academics, and activists in the field, and is a useful contribution to Development Studies.
Compulsory land acquisition and involuntary displacement of communities for a larger public purpose captures the tension of development in the modern state, with the need to balance the interests of the majority while protecting the rights of the minority.This book examines a number of new policy formulations put in place at both the central and state levels looking at land acquisition procedures and norms for rehabilitation and resettlement of communities.
Every year millions of people are displaced from their homes, livelihoods and communities due to land-based development projects. There is no limit to what can be called a ‘development project’. They can range from small-scale infrastructure or mining projects to mega hydropower plants; can be public or private, well-planned or rushed into. Knowledge of development-induced displacement and resettlement (DIDR) remains limited even after decades of experience and research. Many questions are yet unanswered: What is "success" in resettlement? Is development without displacement possible or can resettlement be developmental? Is there a global safeguard policy or do we need an international right ‘not to be displaced’? This book revisits what we think we know about DIDR. Starting with case studies that challenge some of the most widespread preconceptions, it goes on to discuss the ethical aspects of DIDR. The book assesses the current laws, policies and rights governing the sector, and provides a glimpse of how the displaced people defend themselves in the absence of effective governance and safeguard mechanisms. This book is a valuable resource for students and researchers in development studies, population and development, and migration and development.
The social, economic and political contexts in which development projects in India are implemented, and consequences to people displaced by such projects, are analyzed in this book. Development, displacement, resettlement and rehabilitation processes related to three major reservoir bases' irrigation and power projects, and three major industrial projects are studied. The role of the State, international agencies and the private industrial sector in promoting development and managing rehabilitation of the displaced people is assessed, and the author proposes a framework for a comprehensive policy on development, displacement and rehabilitation.