A Study of Rural Rehabilitation in Punjab Partition and Displacement (1947-1958)

ABSTRACT

The movement of people between east and west Punjab resulted in a massive concentration of people on both sides of the border. The inflow of non-Muslims into east Punjab and Muslims into west Punjab caused an anticipated economic turmoil within the region. The vast disparity in the occupations of migrants on both sides had a devastating effect on trade and industry, as well as agricultural production. Numerous deporting families on both sides had set fire to the standing crops, causing extensive damage. During this time, natural disasters such as rain and floods caused havoc on the communities. The steady flow of refugees from one side to the other made the food situation in east Punjab extremely difficult. As a result, rural resettlement was the governments top goal in east Punjab. This investigation seeks to determine how reconstruction and resettlement operations were conducted in the years following the partition. The process of rural rehabilitation following independence was linked to land reforms. Reconstruction of the agricultural sector, consolidation of holdings, and installation of an irrigation system all contributed to the rehabilitation of the refugees. The Bhakhra Dam offers hope for the reconstruction endeavor. However, the genuine sight was the fruit of their own labor. Farmers who were uprooted worked harder and produced more than their counterparts in West Punjab. They were lively and restless. They made significant changes to irrigation and agricultural systems. Prior to 1958, the bulk of rurally displaced individuals had been effectively established on property.

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