Neoliberal development hegemony : implications for human rights - the case of POSCO, Odisha, India

Abstract

Using the methodology of critical discourse analysis (CDA), I propose to analyze the reasons behind the reproduction of the global discourse of neoliberal development, which occurs in this story via the proposed establishment of the POSCO project. I argue that such an arrangement is the reason behind the threat to the right to life and violations of the right to development and livelihood of one’s choice of the villagers to be affected by the establishment of POSCO. On the face of it, the final forest clearance given to the POSCO project by the State seems like a decision within the parameters of Indian law. However a deconstruction of development along the lines of the post development school reveals that the functioning of the Land Acquisition Act 1894 and the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006, give a legal veneer to the rights violating development policy of the state. This is aided by the public discourse created by the Odisha and the Central Government in India. The proposed generation of a vast number of jobs as a result of the POSCO plant, are the benefits that have been claimed to result from the project. However, the uncertainties of a new livelihood and a limited compensation package make it doubtful whether the project affected villagers will benefit from this projected common good. Interviews with villagers at the proposed plant site revealed that the anti POSCO villagers, wanted development of their choice to come about, in a manner that was participatory.