Structural Violations in Resettlement and Rehabilitation: Evidence from the Gundlakamma Project in Andhra Pradesh, India

Abstract

Though resettlement and rehabilitation is considered to offer a development opportunity for project-displaced people, such people are often not cared for and continue to be disregarded by the powerful governments in India in their ‘development’ projects. Oustees in India continue to be one of the most deprived sections of society, and resettlement and rehabilitation is still a critical issue of concern to them. Their basic rights to a decent life are violated in the resettlement and rehabilitation process, although the Indian Constitution guarantees certain rights to its citizens. Such deprivation and violations of rights in resettlement and rehabilitation can be seen particularly in the case of the Gundlakamma Reservoir Project in the State of (undivided and residual) Andhra Pradesh.