Affiliations: [a] Assistant Professor, TERI School of Advanced Studies | [b] Research Scholar, University College London, United Kingdom and TERI School of Advanced Studies | [c] Masters Student, TERI School of Advanced Studies
Abstract: The article critically analyses the implications of development-induced displacement on the indigenous or tribal knowledge resources with special reference to Scheduled Tribes in India. As described in the article, the STs are at the receiving end as far as development-induced displacement is concerned. Most of the tribal households live in communal structures in which social relation, reciprocity, and social networks play an important role for their survival. There is a high risk of losing the social capital (capacity for collective action) due to involuntary displacement and subsequent relocation of social network, voluntary association, reciprocal exchange, etc., after displacement from their traditional and natural habitat. Hence, any form of displacement from their natural habitat may lead to destabilization of social structure and organization which directly impacts their indigenous knowledge resources and livelihood. Further, the article also shows the valuable contributions of the use of indigenous knowledge in sustainable development without cost or damage to the environment. In the final section, the article critically analyses the role of Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act (RFCTLARR Act), 2013, and shows that the proper implication of the Act could reduce the threat to loss of the indigenous knowledge resources and the livelihood of the most vulnerable sections of society.
Keywords: Development-induced displacement, Indigenous knowledge Resources, Scheduled tribes, Sustainable development
