Socio-Economic Upliftment through Welfare Schemes: A Study of Tribal Communities in ITDA Areas of Andhra Pradesh, India
Socio-Economic Upliftment through Welfare Schemes: A Study of Tribal Communities in ITDA Areas of Andhra Pradesh, India
Friday, 11 July 2025: 11:00
Location: SJES018 (Faculty of Legal, Economic, and Social Sciences (JES))
Oral Presentation
This research evaluates the enhancement of socio-economic conditions in tribal communities in ITDA (Integrated Tribal Development Agency) regions of Andhra Pradesh through state welfare programs. The study assesses the impact of government welfare programs on improving the lives of tribal communities living in forest areas in A-category ITDA regions. The analysis includes important socio-economic factors such as rising incomes, employment opportunities, educational and healthcare access, and housing enhancements. This inquiry intentionally leaves out federal welfare programs to concentrate on evaluating how states contribute to tribal development.
The research uses a mixed-methods approach to evaluate the impacts of various state welfare programs within the ITDA framework, utilising qualitative and quantitative data. Extensive field research, in-depth interviews, and a thorough review of government data were conducted to gain insight into the experiences of tribal beneficiaries and evaluate the actual impact of these programs. Initial findings suggest that state welfare programs have significantly improved access to essential services such as healthcare and education, as well as created employment opportunities. However, the research highlights persistent challenges including limited coverage in remote areas, inefficient implementation, and concerns about the long-term sustainability of these initiatives, hindering the full realization of their potential benefits.
This study emphasizes the crucial role of state welfare programs in reducing socio-economic disparities within tribal communities in the ITDA regions of Andhra Pradesh. It also provides practical recommendations for enhancing the effectiveness of welfare programs, thereby strengthening social safety nets for marginalized tribal communities. The findings contribute to the ongoing discourse on the well-being and advancement of tribes in South Asia, offering valuable insights for policymakers seeking to enhance support for tribal groups.
The research uses a mixed-methods approach to evaluate the impacts of various state welfare programs within the ITDA framework, utilising qualitative and quantitative data. Extensive field research, in-depth interviews, and a thorough review of government data were conducted to gain insight into the experiences of tribal beneficiaries and evaluate the actual impact of these programs. Initial findings suggest that state welfare programs have significantly improved access to essential services such as healthcare and education, as well as created employment opportunities. However, the research highlights persistent challenges including limited coverage in remote areas, inefficient implementation, and concerns about the long-term sustainability of these initiatives, hindering the full realization of their potential benefits.
This study emphasizes the crucial role of state welfare programs in reducing socio-economic disparities within tribal communities in the ITDA regions of Andhra Pradesh. It also provides practical recommendations for enhancing the effectiveness of welfare programs, thereby strengthening social safety nets for marginalized tribal communities. The findings contribute to the ongoing discourse on the well-being and advancement of tribes in South Asia, offering valuable insights for policymakers seeking to enhance support for tribal groups.