Between the 1940and 1970, a number of land laws were passed, and the land was mortgaged. In 1948, 2.4 million people were evicted from their land 1 million people could not get any ownership of land, due to poverty, refused applications The indigenous people were forced into the labour market in order to save money to buy land.
For those whom bought land, these laws do not appear to be being upheld, or acknowledged. No records were made of the land transactions, and land bought has later been found to be surplus/useless land.
In the 1970`s some laws were amended over a 10 year period, giving ample opportunity for the multinational companies to find loop holes, in regards to size of land and land use.
Law now states that the land should go back to the tribals, however only a minimum of cases are being investigated, many are dropped on technicalities; many have been waiting years to be heard. In one area in Maharashtra, only 375 cases resulted in land return to indigenous people, out of 6060.
This seminar calls for this issue to be politicized, and internationalized through the development of a forum uniting both tribal and dalit issues. Legal literacy is needed, and barefoot lawyers whom will fight for the right of these groups. Special courts developed for the quick disposal of cases.
Contact e-mail speakers
janhit@sancharnet.in ptrinadharao@sify.com