25, June 2025

Pathways to Inclusion: An Empirical Study of Tribal Development and Infrastructure in Koraput District, Odisha

VOLUME-9; ISSUE-6; JUNE-2025

Author(s): Mahendra Kumar Nayak, Dr. Deepika Deswal,

Authors Affiliations:

PhD (Sociology) Research Scholar, Om Sterling Global University, Hisar, Haryana

DOIs:10.2017/IJRCS/202506019     |     Paper ID: IJRCS202506019


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The tribal communities of India, especially those residing in remote and underdeveloped regions like Koraput district of Odisha, face persistent challenges related to poverty, land alienation, inadequate healthcare, poor education, and fragile infrastructure. Despite various government programs and welfare schemes, the expected pace of tribal upliftment has been stymied by structural gaps, ineffective implementation, and a disconnect from ground realities.

This study offers an empirical and conceptual analysis of the socio-economic and infrastructural conditions among the tribal population in Koraput. Drawing on primary data from 320 respondents across four blocks—Koraput, Semiliguda, Jeypore, and Borigumma—and supported by secondary literature, the research assesses access to basic amenities, education, employment, health services, and government interventions. Through statistical tools like ANOVA, correlation, and regression, the study confirms a positive correlation between infrastructure development and social wellbeing.

The findings highlight both achievements and systemic shortcomings in current tribal development strategies. The research underscores the urgency of inclusive, culturally sensitive policies that integrate tribal voices and prioritize sustainable development. It calls for stronger governance, participatory planning, and localized capacity-building to foster long-term improvements. Ultimately, this work contributes to the discourse on tribal empowerment and serves as a guide for policy realignment in marginalized regions.

Infrastructure, Social Inclusion, Indigenous Communities, Policy Implementation, Sustainable Development, Tribal Empowerment

Mahendra Kumar Nayak, Dr. Deepika Deswal, (2025); Pathways to Inclusion: An Empirical Study of Tribal Development and Infrastructure in Koraput District, Odisha.    International Journal of Research Culture Society,    ISSN(O): 2456-6683,  Volume – 9,   Issue –  6,  Pp.158-162.        Available on – https://ijrcs.org/

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