[15] ASSESSING THE IMPACT OF SOCIAL JUSTICE DEPARTMENT WELFARE SCHEMES ON THE SOCIO-ECONOMIC WELLBEING OF BELOW POVERTY LINE FAMILIES: A SOCIAL WORK PERSPECTIVE IN JALGAON DISTRICT
How to Cite the Article: Kishor Bhaskar Mali & Jagdish Shankar Sonawane (2026). Assessing the Impact of Social Justice Department Welfare Schemes on the Socio-Economic Well-Being of Below Poverty Line Families: A Social Work Perspective in Jalgaon District. International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research & Reviews, 5(7),201-211. https://doi.org/10.56815/ijmrr.v5i7.2026.201-211
Abstract
Social welfare programmes implemented by the Social Justice Department play a significant role in promoting inclusive development and improving the quality of life of socio-economically disadvantaged populations in India. Below Poverty Line (BPL) families constitute one of the primary target groups of these welfare initiatives, which aim to reduce poverty, enhance access to education, healthcare, housing, financial assistance, and social security, and foster socio-economic empowerment. Despite the availability of numerous welfare schemes, disparities in awareness, accessibility, utilization, and effective implementation continue to affect the intended outcomes. Against this backdrop, the present study assesses the impact of Social Justice Department welfare schemes on the socio-economic wellbeing of BPL families from a social work perspective in Jalgaon District, Maharashtra. The study adopted a descriptive and analytical research design. Primary data were collected from 300 beneficiaries selected through a multistage random sampling technique using a structured interview schedule, while secondary data were obtained from government reports, policy documents, books, journals, and published research studies. Descriptive statistics such as frequency and percentage, along with inferential statistical techniques, were employed to analyse the data. The findings indicate that the welfare schemes have contributed positively to improving beneficiaries' socio-economic conditions by enhancing access to educational opportunities, financial assistance, social security benefits, livelihood support, and social inclusion. However, the study also identifies several implementation challenges, including limited awareness, procedural complexities, documentation issues, delays in benefit disbursement, and digital barriers that restrict equitable access to welfare programmes. The findings further highlight the crucial role of professional social workers in facilitating awareness, counselling beneficiaries, strengthening community participation, advocating for rights, and improving service delivery mechanisms. The study concludes that while Social Justice Department welfare schemes have made a meaningful contribution to the socio-economic well-being of BPL families, their effectiveness can be further enhanced through simplified administrative procedures, improved outreach strategies, digital inclusion, regular monitoring, and stronger social work interventions. The findings provide valuable insights for policymakers, administrators, and social work professionals in designing more inclusive, accessible, and beneficiaryoriented welfare programmes that promote sustainable socio-economic development and social justice.
