Social Exclusion and Land Administration in Orissa, India

Abstract

"This report presents an exploratory, state-level analysis in Orissa of the factors that constrain access to land by the rural poor and other socially excluded groups. It is the first empirical study of its kind, at least in India, which examines access to land from a transaction costs perspective. It is based on an institutional analysis of land administration in policy and practice, and considers the consequences for particular groups of stakeholders. The intention of this pilot study was to field-test an approach that could be replicated in other states of India, with a view to identifying incremental reforms in land administration and policy that could help to improve access to land for the rural poor. The findings should be regarded as preliminary, since the study was intended to scope the broad framework for analysis, rather than to produce systematic results. Nonetheless, the findings do suggest a set of broad policy implications worthy of more detailed consideration, following systematic analysis in other states."