THE IMPACT OF WELFARE PROGRAMMES ON TRIBAL DEVELOPMENT IN JHARKHAND – CASE STUDY OF NAMKUM BLOCK OF RANCHI DISTRICT
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.53555/pzvyck08Keywords:
Tribal Development, Welfare Programmes, Scheduled Tribes, Jharkhand, Namkum BlockAbstract
Tribal communities in India remain among the most socio-economically marginalized groups despite decades of policy interventions. Jharkhand, with approximately 26% Scheduled Tribe (ST) population, has been a focal point of multiple welfare interventions aimed at improving health, education, livelihood, infrastructure, and social protection outcomes for tribal communities. This paper investigates the impact of welfare programmes on tribal development in Jharkhand, with a special focus on Namkum Block of Ranchi District. The study posits that targeted welfare programmes positively influence key development indicators such as income, education, employment, and livelihood diversification among tribal households. Employing an empirical analysis based on secondary data from government reports, scholarly research, and scheme evaluations, this research highlights both the achievements and gaps in programme implementation. Results indicate improvements in specific domains such as sericulture income and employment under schemes like MGNREGA, but persistent challenges in programme reach, awareness, and structural implementation inefficiencies. The paper concludes with recommendations for enhancing programme effectiveness and tailoring interventions to local tribal needs.
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