TIC Criticizes Assam Government's Handling of Displaced Families' Situation

TIC criticizes Assam government for the plight of displaced families, demands better.

The Tribal Intellectuals Collective (TIC) has strongly criticized the Assam government for its alleged failure to adequately address the plight of families displaced due to various reasons, including land conflicts and natural disasters. The TIC highlighted the urgent need for the government to provide proper rehabilitation, compensation, and livelihood support to the affected families, ensuring their basic rights and dignity are protected. The organization called for greater transparency and accountability in the government's resettlement policies and programs.

UPSC Exam Angles

GS Paper II: Social Justice - Issues related to vulnerable sections of the population

GS Paper III: Disaster Management - Rehabilitation of displaced populations

Connects to syllabus topics like poverty, urbanization, and governance

Visual Insights

Displacement in Assam

Highlights the state of Assam where the Tribal Intellectuals Collective (TIC) has criticized the government's handling of displaced families.

Loading interactive map...

📍Assam

More Information

Background

The issue of displacement in Assam is complex, often stemming from land conflicts, natural disasters like floods and erosion, and development projects. The state's unique geography and socio-economic conditions contribute to the vulnerability of certain communities. The government is obligated to provide rehabilitation and compensation under various laws and policies, but implementation challenges persist. Historical factors, including migration patterns and land tenure systems, have also played a role in creating displacement. The lack of clear land records and enforcement mechanisms exacerbates these problems. The Assam Land and Revenue Regulation Act of 1886, though amended several times, remains a key legislation governing land rights in the state. However, its effectiveness in protecting vulnerable communities is often questioned. Article 21 of the Indian Constitution guarantees the right to life and personal liberty, which the Supreme Court has interpreted to include the right to a dignified life. This implies that the state has a responsibility to ensure adequate rehabilitation and livelihood support for displaced persons. The principles of natural justice also demand that affected parties are given a fair hearing and adequate compensation.

Latest Developments

In recent years, the Assam government has launched several initiatives to address displacement, including the implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) for providing housing to the homeless. However, the effectiveness of these schemes in reaching the most vulnerable populations remains a concern. The state government has also been working on updating land records through the National Land Records Modernization Programme (NLRMP), now known as the Digital India Land Records Modernization Programme (DILRMP). Several committees have been formed to review the existing resettlement policies and suggest improvements. The reports of these committees often highlight the need for better coordination between different government departments and greater community participation in the resettlement process. The Assam government is also focusing on providing skill development training to displaced persons to enhance their livelihood opportunities. Looking ahead, the Assam government aims to develop a comprehensive resettlement policy that addresses the root causes of displacement and ensures that affected families are provided with adequate support. The success of this policy will depend on effective implementation, transparency, and accountability. The government has set a target to provide housing to all homeless families by 2024 under the PMAY scheme.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why is the Tribal Intellectuals Collective (TIC) criticizing the Assam government?

The TIC is criticizing the Assam government for its alleged failure to adequately address the plight of families displaced due to land conflicts and natural disasters. They are demanding better rehabilitation, compensation, and livelihood support for these families.

2. What are the main reasons for displacement in Assam, as highlighted in the topic?

Displacement in Assam stems from land conflicts, natural disasters like floods and erosion, and development projects. The state's geography and socio-economic conditions also contribute to the vulnerability of certain communities.

3. What government initiatives are mentioned in the context of addressing displacement in Assam?

The Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) is mentioned as a government initiative aimed at providing housing to the homeless. The government is also working on updating land records through the National Land Records Modernization Programme (NLRMP).

4. What kind of demands are civil society organizations like TIC making regarding displacement?

Civil society organizations like the TIC are demanding proper rehabilitation, compensation, and livelihood support for displaced families. They also call for greater transparency and accountability in the government's resettlement policies and programs.

5. What are the key areas to focus on while studying about displacement for UPSC Mains?

For UPSC Mains, focus on the causes and consequences of displacement, relevant government policies and their effectiveness, the role of civil society, and issues related to land rights and conflicts. Also, understand the constitutional and legal provisions related to vulnerable groups.

6. What are the ethical considerations related to displacement and rehabilitation that an administrator should keep in mind?

An administrator should prioritize the rights and dignity of displaced people, ensuring fair compensation and adequate rehabilitation. Transparency, accountability, and community participation are crucial for ethical governance in resettlement processes. It is important to consider the long-term socio-economic impact on the affected communities.

Practice Questions (MCQs)

1. Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding the Assam Land and Revenue Regulation Act of 1886? 1. It is the primary legislation governing land rights in Assam. 2. It has never been amended since its enactment. 3. It primarily focuses on protecting the land rights of tribal communities. Select the correct answer using the code given below:

A.1 only
B.2 only
C.1 and 3 only
D.1, 2 and 3

Show Answer

Answer: A

Statement 1 is CORRECT: The Assam Land and Revenue Regulation Act of 1886 is indeed the primary legislation governing land rights in Assam. Statement 2 is INCORRECT: The Act has been amended several times since its enactment. Statement 3 is INCORRECT: While the Act does address land rights, it does not exclusively focus on tribal communities.

2. Consider the following statements regarding the Right to Life under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution: 1. It guarantees only the right to physical survival. 2. The Supreme Court has interpreted it to include the right to a dignified life. 3. It explicitly mentions the right to rehabilitation for displaced persons. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A.1 only
B.2 only
C.1 and 3 only
D.2 and 3 only

Show Answer

Answer: B

Statement 1 is INCORRECT: The Right to Life is not limited to mere physical survival but includes a life of dignity. Statement 2 is CORRECT: The Supreme Court has indeed interpreted Article 21 to include the right to a dignified life. Statement 3 is INCORRECT: While the right to rehabilitation is implied, it is not explicitly mentioned in Article 21.

3. Which of the following is the primary objective of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY)?

A.Providing financial assistance for higher education
B.Providing housing to all homeless families
C.Providing skill development training to unemployed youth
D.Providing healthcare services to rural populations

Show Answer

Answer: B

The primary objective of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) is to provide housing to all homeless families. This scheme aims to address the housing shortage in urban and rural areas by providing affordable housing options.