Discourse analysis of the implementation of land acquisition, rehabilitation and resettlement policies in Chhattisgarh, India through episodic interviews

Abstract

In this study a distinctive combination of a psychological model (episodic theory), policy analysis, household survey, and media analysis has been carried out to assess the discourse of land acquisition rehabilitation and resettlement (LARR) policies in India. LARR is an interesting policy-scape in a developing country like India and this is the first attempt to look at it through the lens of Episodic Analysis. LARR plays a huge role in establishing infrastructure, industries, and settlements in the newly formed states like Chhattisgarh. This study has been conducted in six LARR sites in Chhattisgarh, India. Episodic interviews were carried out with the project affected people (PAP) and the results are drawn based on their recollection of different Episodes or stages of LARR implementation. The data from episodic interviews is compared with the pre and post resettlement household data and media reportage at the six sites. The major findings of the study highlight the subtle yet significant differences in the episodic recollection of LARR of PAP based on their gender, age, and economic status indicating disparities. The results and comparisons also indicate how episodic interviews capture a deeper layer of resettlement issues which are overlooked in media reportage and do not reflect in fundamental household data.