SOCIO-ECONOMIC STATUS OF TRIBAL WOMEN IN MAHARASHTRA: A SOCIAL WORK PERSPECTIVE: How to Cite the Article: Sagarraj Rohidas Chavan (2019). Socio-Economic Status of Tribal Women in Maharashtra: A Social Work Perspective. International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research & Reviews, Vol.2019, no1, pp. 8-14.

Dr. Sagarraj Rohidas Chavan

Authors

Dr. Sagarraj Rohidas Chavan P. J. N. College of social work Amalner, India.

Abstract

Tribal women constitute one of the most socio-economically disadvantaged sections of Indian society despite constitutional safeguards and numerous welfare programmes. Maharashtra has one of the largest Scheduled Tribe (ST) populations in India, with major tribal communities residing in districts such as Nandurbar, Gadchiroli, Palghar, Dhule, Nashik, Chandrapur and Amravati. Although tribal women play a significant role in agriculture, forest-based livelihoods, household management and the preservation of indigenous knowledge, they continue to experience poverty, illiteracy, poor health, limited access to productive resources and inadequate participation in formal employment. This paper examines the socio-economic status of tribal women in Maharashtra using secondary data available up to 2018. The study relies on Census of India (2011), National Family Health Survey (NFHS-4, 2015–16), National Sample Survey (2017–18), Ministry of Tribal Affairs reports, Government of Maharashtra publications and published research between 2013 and 2018. The analysis indicates that tribal women have lower literacy levels, higher dependence on agriculture and forest resources, limited access to quality healthcare, high levels of poverty and inadequate utilization of institutional credit and social security programmes.Nevertheless, government initiatives such as the Tribal Sub-Plan, Integrated Tribal Development Programme, Forest Rights Act and women-centred livelihood programmes have contributed to gradual improvements in education, maternal health and economic participation. From a social work perspective, strengthening community participation, gender sensitive interventions, livelihood promotion, educational empowerment and effective implementation of welfare schemes are essential for improving the quality of life of tribal women. The study concludes that sustainable tribal development requires an integrated approach combining social justice, inclusive governance and participatory development.