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.