Author Description

There are groups who oppose development projects that displace people from their lands and livelihoods and demand that such projects should not be undertaken. While this demand is unrealistic, the concern to save people is legitimate. The real issue then is to undertake development in a way that ensures minimum disruption and helps those relocated to share its benefits. This report, thus, shows the way forward and emphasizes the need to adopt credible policies that minimize displacement, properly compensate those relocated to make development possible, and give them a permanent stake in project benefits. Besides these, it takes stock of issues like poverty, unemployment, health, local government and decentralization, child labour, and how women fare across social indices. Complete with a social development index which ranks Indian states, this report will be a useful primary source and research tool.