Impact of Development-induced Displacement on Children: A Study in Jammu Region

• Published in: Journal of management and public policy 2022-06, Vol.13 (2), p.59-74
• Main Author: Aryan, Sudesh Kumar
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Dams; Displaced persons; Economic development; Education; Employment; Family income; Five year plans; GNP; Gross National Product; Rehabilitation; Social life & customs; Society; State government
• ISSN: 0976-013X; 0976-0148
• DOI: 10.47914/jmpp.2022.v13i2.005

India focused on various development projects like dams, power plants, highways, etc. after independence. Proverbially regarded as symbols of modern India, they enabled the country to kickstart a forward journey towards self-reliance and economic development, especially through the Five Year Plans. While an array of development projects laid the foundations of a prosperous nation, they also resulted in large scale displacement of citizens who faced loss of land and livelihood without much relief due to lacunae in land acquisition laws prevailing in the country. Children were worst hit due to development-induced displacement. The present study focuses on the impact on displacement on the education of the displaced children and other concomitant socio-economic fallouts on them. Based on empirical survey carried out in Pul Doda region in the State of Jammu and Kashmir, the study captures the impact of displacement on children due to construction of a dam. The results of the study indicate that forced displacement has led to loss of learning, morbidity, and forced labour to complement the dwindling family income.