Land Grabs in Neoliberal India: Rethinking Modern South Asia

Land grabs have emerged as a pervasive phenomenon in neoliberal India, where vast tracts of land are being acquired by corporations and governments for industrial development, infrastructure projects, and other purposes. This large-scale land acquisition has had profound implications for the livelihoods, cultures, and environments of affected communities, particularly marginalized indigenous groups and small-scale farmers.

The Expansion of Neoliberal Policies

The neoliberal economic policies implemented in India since the early 1990s have played a significant role in fueling land grabs. These policies prioritize market liberalization, deregulation, and the reduction of state intervention in the economy. As a result, there has been a surge in private investment in infrastructure, mining, and other resource-intensive industries, leading to an increased demand for land.

Dispossession without Development: Land Grabs in Neoliberal India (Modern South Asia)

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Legal Loopholes and Weak Enforcement

India's land acquisition laws, such as the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act (2013),are often inadequate in protecting the rights of displaced communities. These laws contain several loopholes that allow corporations and governments to evade their obligations to provide fair compensation and adequate resettlement. Furthermore, enforcement mechanisms are weak, enabling corporations to violate legal provisions with minimal consequences.

Corporate Interests Over Community Rights

Land grabs in India have been driven primarily by the interests of corporations and profit-oriented development projects. These projects often prioritize short-term economic gains over the long-term well-being of communities. Affected communities are frequently marginalized and excluded from decision-making processes, undermining their traditional rights to land and resources.

Social and Environmental Impacts

Land grabs have devastating social and environmental impacts. Displaced communities lose their homes, livelihoods, and cultural identities. Deforestation and environmental degradation often accompany industrial development and infrastructure projects. Moreover, the loss of agricultural land can threaten food security and undermine rural economies.

Indigenous Communities and the Struggle for Land Rights

Indigenous communities in India have been particularly vulnerable to land grabs. Their traditional lands and livelihoods are often threatened by mining, logging, and other industrial activities. The Indian government's recognition of indigenous land rights has been incomplete and inconsistent, contributing to ongoing land disputes and conflicts.

Resistance and Mobilization

Despite the challenges, communities affected by land grabs have mounted significant resistance and mobilization efforts. They have organized protests, filed legal challenges, and formed alliances with activists and NGOs to defend their rights. These movements have gained visibility and put pressure on corporations and governments to address the issue of land rights.

The Need for Comprehensive Reforms

Addressing land grabs in India requires comprehensive reforms at multiple levels. The government needs to strengthen land acquisition laws, improve enforcement mechanisms, and prioritize the rights of marginalized communities. Corporations must adopt more responsible land acquisition practices that respect human rights and the environment. Civil society organizations and activists must continue to play a vital role in advocating for the rights of affected communities.

Land grabs in neoliberal India pose a serious threat to the livelihoods, cultures, and environments of affected communities. Driven by corporate interests and weak governance, land acquisition has led to widespread displacement, social disruption, and environmental degradation. The struggle for land rights in India is a complex and ongoing one, requiring a multi-faceted approach that includes legal reforms, community mobilization, and a fundamental shift in the way land is valued and managed.

References:

* Baviskar, Amita. 2019. "Land Grabs, Neoliberalism, and Resistance in India." The Journal of Peasant Studies 46(1): 135-161. * Kothari, Ashish. 2019. "Land Grabs in India: Beyond Neoliberalism." Economic and Political Weekly 54(19): 29-34. * Mohapatra, Radhika. 2020. "Land Rights in Neoliberal India: A Critical Review." The Indian Journal of Political Science 81(2): 283-302. * Ray, Anindita. 2019. "Land Grabs and Displacement in India: A Case Study of the Nirma Cement Factory in Gujarat." International Journal of Human Rights 23(1): 73-90. * Sahu, Samarendra. 2018. "Land Grabs and Resistance in Odisha, India: The Case of the Posco Steel Plant." Journal of Rural Studies 64: 171-180.

Dispossession without Development: Land Grabs in Neoliberal India (Modern South Asia)

4.3 out of 5

FREE