Several countries are found to be embroiled in a tussle between the
development plans of the State at the macro level and their undesirable
consequences for the specific project affected people. There is need to explore
the dynamics of the phenomenon of Development Induced Displacement and the
theoretical, legal, and policy level issues which have impeded the fluent
process of implementation of development projects. There are also
administrative issues involved in managing land acquisition and displacement,
which are critical in nature. Impacts of development projects are varied and complex and pose
great challenges to administration. Empirical research have shown that those
who have sacrificed their lands and livelihoods have largely remained as
losers, more so, those belonging to the vulnerable sections of communities such
as the indigenous population and women. Ineffective R&R Planning and implementation have been
considered to be significantly responsible for the plight of the affected
communities. While the institutional factors have been studied by many, the
financial and economic aspects have thus far been under-researched ones. Many developing economies are undergoing a major transformation
also owing to urban development projects as evidenced by the development of
road networks, schools, healthcare Institutions, hotels, condominiums, sports
complexes, real estates, banks, shopping centres, and many other businesses.
Thousands of low-income households have been displaced and adversely affected
by the process of urban development. Another recent trend is the introduction of a course on
Development-Induced Displacement and Rehabilitation as a part of curriculum in
various Universities and other educational institutions. While a number of
projects that displace people are on the rise, there seems to be an acute
scarcity of functionaries who can manage effectively the issues of
displacement, resettlement and rehabilitation of people. This has given rise to
a need to create managers and build their capacity, equipping them with better
knowledge and skill in this field, in order to manage R&R projects more effectively. The International Conference on Resettlement & Rehabilitation will include a large number of delegates to deliberate on the above issues through keynote address, plenary lectures, panel discussions and parallel sessions. The conference will be an opportunity for academicians, researchers, project proponents, managers of R&R projects, professionals from civil society organizations and policy makers to deliberate, debate and identify possible solutions on the critical areas pertaining to involuntary displacement, resettlement and rehabilitation on account of development projects. |