An Assessment on Quality of Life and Happiness Indices of Project Affected People in Indian Coalfields

Archana Sinha (), Bibhas Chandra, Arvind Kumar Mishra and Shubham Goswami
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Archana Sinha: Department of Management Studies and Industrial Engineering, IIT (ISM), Dhanbad 826004, India
Bibhas Chandra: Department of Management Studies and Industrial Engineering, IIT (ISM), Dhanbad 826004, India
Arvind Kumar Mishra: Central Institute of Mining and Fuel Research, Dhanbad 826001, India
Shubham Goswami: Institute of Management, Nirma University, Ahmedabad 382481, India

Sustainability, 2023, vol. 15, issue 12, 1-24

Abstract: Coal deposits are generally found in either riverine and/or beneath forest area. The coerced displacement of project-affected people (PAPs) for coal mining endangers the in situ conservation of their life/livelihood. It accounts for a heavy price against the mineral value mostly harvested by distant stakeholders. A study on quality of life (QoL) enroute happiness indices of PAPs is undertaken with reference to CSR/resettlement and rehabilitation initiatives undertaken by mining companies in coalfields of Jharkhand. This study aims to analyze elements influencing quality of life and happiness indices such as job/income opportunity, housing affordability, health security, infrastructure, social relations, environment sustainability, inclusivity, equity and diversity. Data were collected directly from PAPs using a questionnaire survey method and almost 501 responses received to assist in development of the model. Multivariate statistical analysis has been used with application of structural equation modeling methodology for data analysis. The result shows vital relations among the constructs introduced based on human, social, natural, physical and economical concerns. The findings also indicate inadequate resettlement and rehabilitation initiatives undertaken by project proponents towards restoring life quality. Thus, the conceptual framework customized to mining area is developed and validated for rendering a qualitative life-ecosystems to the PAPs.

Keywords: quality of life (QoL); happiness; resettlement and rehabilitation; corporate social responsibility; project affected people (PAP); sustainability and inclusivity (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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