Aleksa's Book Review: Land Acquisition Policy in India

India is an ever-present ulcer of ignorance on the fabric of my mind, which I endeavour to rectify with each passing day. One step to this end is this book on how land gets redistributed, particularly examined from the point of view of 2 small villages or towns in northern India. The differences between the two are not great as far as geoeconomics, but they underlie different state law jurisdictions.

It's strange to note how similar the issues are in both villages: money given to villagers for their land is often wasted on "prostitutes, gambling and cars" and it's usually the kind of money that wouldn't have gone far in attempting anything else, really. By which I mean that the pittance they receive for the land that gets expropriated from them is hardly sporting on the best of days.

The book really puts into perspective rural life in India: the lack of clean water, sanitation, 24-hour electricity and all sorts of other amenities stands in stark contrast to the level of interest the land developers show in the rural environment. Expanding cities such as Gurgaon and Noida are also noted as some of the most interesting case studies in this country.

Definitely a book worth reading, but focuses just a bit too much on the experiences of the local villagers as opposed to macroeconomic overviews - sure, it brings a lot of insight and perspective, but not the kind I came for. A good book nonetheless.
8/10