Mains Practice Questions

Introduction

The concept of 'development-induced displacement' refers to the forced relocation of communities due to large-scale development projects such as dams, mines, industrial plants, and urban renewal initiatives.

• While these projects are often crucial for national progress, they raise significant concerns about social justice, particularly for marginalized communities who are disproportionately affected.

Body

India's Rehabilitation and Resettlement Policies:

India's approach to rehabilitation and resettlement (R&R) has evolved significantly over the years:

• Pre-1990s: No comprehensive national policy; project-specific approaches.
• 2004: National Policy on Resettlement and Rehabilitation.
• 2007: National Rehabilitation and Resettlement Policy.
• 2013: The Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act (LARR Act).

Example: The Sardar Sarovar Project on the Narmada River highlighted the inadequacies of early resettlement policies, leading to widespread protests and eventual policy reforms.

Key Features of Current Policy (LARR Act, 2013):

• Comprehensive Approach: Combines land acquisition with rehabilitation and resettlement.
• Social Impact Assessment: Mandatory for all projects.
• Consent Requirement: 70-80% consent from affected families for private projects.
• Compensation: 4 times the market value in rural areas; 2 times in urban areas.
• Resettlement Provisions: Housing, employment, and other social security measures.

Implementation Challenges

• Inadequate Implementation: Gap between policy provisions and ground realities.
• Delays in Compensation: Often leading to prolonged displacement periods.
• Limited Livelihood Restoration: Insufficient focus on long-term economic rehabilitation.
• Lack of Transparency: In assessment and disbursement processes.

Example: The Polavaram dam project in Andhra Pradesh faced criticism for inadequate rehabilitation of tribal communities, highlighting implementation gaps.

Suggestions for Improvement:

• Participatory Planning: Involve affected communities in the planning process from the outset.
• Skill Development and Livelihood Support: Focus on long-term economic rehabilitation through skill training and job placement.
• Time-Bound Implementation: Set strict timelines for compensation disbursement and resettlement.
• Cultural and Community Preservation: Ensure resettlement plans consider cultural and community ties.
• Independent Monitoring Mechanism: Establish third-party monitoring of R&R implementation.
• Gender-Sensitive Approach: Ensure women's rights and needs are specifically addressed in R&R policies.
• Alternative Development Models: Explore development alternatives that minimize displacement.
• Comprehensive Database: Create a national database of displaced persons to track long-term outcomes.

Conclusion

Balancing national progress with social justice in the context of development-induced displacement remains a critical challenge for India. By adopting a more participatory, transparent, and holistic approach to rehabilitation and resettlement, India can move towards more equitable development.