Shanlax International Journal of Economics

Beneficiary Satisfaction with the Thayumanavar Scheme under Tamil Nadu’s Universal Public Distribution System: Evidence from Pudukkottai District

2026-10-07T06:26:00+00:00

The Thayumanavar Scheme, introduced under Tamil Nadu’s Universal Public Distribution System (UPDS), is a recent welfare initiative that provides doorstep delivery of essential commodities to eligible senior citizens and differently abled persons who face mobility constraints in accessing Fair Price Shops. Although the scheme has been implemented across the state, empirical evidence of its effectiveness remains limited, particularly during the early phase of implementation. To date, no district-level study has comprehensively examined beneficiaries’ awareness, utilization, accessibility, and satisfaction with the scheme. To address this gap, this study provides the first empirical assessment of the Thayumanavar Scheme in the Pudukkottai District. This study adopted a descriptive and analytical research design, and primary data were collected from 170 beneficiaries through a structured interview schedule using a stratified random sampling technique. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were used for data analysis. The Chi-square test (χ² = 4.82) indicated no statistically significant association between the beneficiary category and the frequency of benefit utilization. The findings revealed that all respondents were aware of the scheme and had received essential commodities through door-step delivery. Beneficiaries expressed a high level of satisfaction with the quality and quantity of commodities, transparency in distribution, punctuality of delivery, clarity of communication, and behaviour of delivery personnel. The results indicate that the scheme has substantially reduced the accessibility challenges previously experienced by senior citizens and differently abled persons in obtaining their monthly ration entitlements. This study provides valuable district-level evidence on the effectiveness of doorstep delivery under the UPDS and offers practical insights for policymakers to strengthen implementation and assess the potential expansion of similar beneficiary-centered delivery mechanisms within welfare programs. Future research should examine the long-term impact of the scheme on food security, nutritional outcomes, quality of life, and financial sustainability of doorstep delivery across different districts and states.

An An Assessment of Household Environment and Women’s Health in Thiruverumbur Taluk of Tiruchirappalli District

2026-09-01T12:42:34+00:00

This study investigates the influence of the household environment on women’s health status in Thiruverumbur Taluk of Tiruchirappalli District, Tamil Nadu. The household environment encompassing natural parameters and built infrastructure such as housing type, sanitation, water sources, and cooking fuel serves as a primary determinant of health, with inadequate sanitation and unsafe water globally accounting for around 25% of preventable ill health. Empirical findings from N = 100 survey respondents reveal that open drainage networks (chi^2 = 63.12, p < 0.0001$) and untreated drinking water (chi^2 = 54.08, p < 0.0001) are key environmental risk factors significantly associated with adverse health outcomes. Furthermore, 74% of households rely on open waste storage and 46% depend on public water sources, creating persistent environmental hygiene vulnerabilities for women. The study suggests policy measures including universal tap connections under the Jal Jeevan Mission and expanded toilet construction under the Swachh Bharat Mission. Future research should utilize GIS-based environmental risk mapping, longitudinal health tracking, and comparative analyses across Tamil Nadu districts to evaluate the long-term impact of public health interventions on women’s well-being.

Impact Assessment of MGNREGS: An Evaluation of Problems and Prospects

2026-09-01T12:56:38+00:00

In this article, I review the impact and effectiveness of implementing the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) at the state and village level with a focus on inclusiveness, rural labour markets, and agriculture. The article examines the effectiveness of the MGNREGA at the state and village levels. The study finds that some states implemented the scheme more successfully than others. Moreover, it emphasizes various benefits of the program, such as increased productivity and employment opportunities, as well as reducing hunger and poverty. It also discusses the differences in implementation at the village level, and how effective implementation reduces poverty and hunger. It is also important to note that the scheme increased the bargaining power of rural workers in the agricultural sector, resulting in higher wages, better working conditions, and less exploitation.

Consumption Expenditure Pattern of Scheduled Caste Households of Palakkad District

2026-10-06T12:17:16+00:00

Consumption expenditure is a key economic indicator that reflects the standard of living, priorities, and financial well-being of households. It serves as a measure of economic stability and social mobility, as spending patterns reveal disparities in access to resources, employment opportunities and government support. Understanding the consumption expenditure patterns of different socioeconomic groups, particularly marginalized communities such as Scheduled Castes (SCs), is crucial for assessing their economic position and policy needs. This study focuses on analyzing the consumption expenditure patterns of Scheduled Caste households in Palakkad district, Kerala, to understand their income allocation, spending priorities, and socio-economic challenges. This study helps assess whether these households have achieved financial stability or continue to struggle to meet their basic needs. A high proportion of expenditure on essential items may indicate economic vulnerability, whereas greater spending on education, healthcare, and productive investments suggests improved living standards and upward mobility. It also evaluates the effectiveness of government welfare measures, reservation policies, and development programs in enhancing the economic status of SC households. This study utilized both primary and secondary sources. This study used both primary and secondary data sources. Primary data were collected from the Palakkad district using a structured questionnaire. A total of 100 respondents were selected from the study area using an appropriate sampling method. The findings support evidence-based policymaking by identifying areas that require targeted interventions. If households face high expenditure burdens in education, healthcare, or essential consumption, policymakers can strengthen scholarships, health insurance, employment opportunities, and social security. Similarly, evidence of low savings or high indebtedness can guide financial literacy initiatives and improve access to affordable credit. The key findings revealed that despite a significant proportion of respondents being employed, they faced challenges such as low savings and limited financial security. Overall, the findings suggest the need for targeted interventions to improve income levels, financial literacy, access to government schemes, and the overall well-being of the Scheduled Caste community.

Urban Infrastructure and Sustainability in Bankura Town: An Ancient City of Rarh Bengal Located Between Two Rivers (Dwarakeswar and Gandheswari)

2026-10-07T05:08:33+00:00

For over two decades, India has had one of the fastest-expanding economies in the world. It is apparent that faster expansion affects the rate and type of urbanization. Urban infrastructure includes drinking water, sanitation, sewage systems, power and gas distribution, urban transportation, primary health services, and environmental governance. Bankura town is part of the Burdwan Division of West Bengal. Being included in the “Rarh” area of Bengal, it is flanked by the Dwarakeswar and Gandheswari Rivers on the northern and southern sides, respectively. Maximum and minimum water supply distribution networks were observed in the eastern, northern, western, and southern parts of the Bankura municipality, respectively, with pucca drains in most of the research region. Bankura town, which is the center of the entire Bankura district, has a well-developed transport and communication infrastructure. The study is based on both primary and secondary data collected through ward-level household surveys, field observations, personal interviews, Census of India reports, and Bankura Municipality records. Descriptive statistical techniques and GIS-based spatial mapping were used to assess ward-wise variations in the urban infrastructure. The municipality has approximately 170 km of water pipelines connecting 14,024 houses, while substantial spatial disparities are observed in water supply, drainage, and solid waste generation across different wards. In terms of solid waste management, the municipal services offered in this metropolitan core are still insufficient. Currently, municipal regions dispose of solid waste by simply dumping it wherever there is accessible low land. The sides of the landfill do not follow any long-term regional land-use plans. One of the most crucial aspects of integrated waste management is garbage disposal, as improper waste disposal can harm the environment, sub-surface strata, human health, and life. Currently, open dumping is the only method used to dispose of the town’s solid waste. The findings of this study contribute to the understanding of urban infrastructure disparities in medium-sized municipalities and provide practical recommendations for sustainable urban planning in Bankura. Future research should incorporate geospatial modelling, longitudinal assessments, and comparative analyses across municipalities to evaluate the long-term effectiveness of infrastructure development policies and sustainable urban management strategies.

Transformation of Rural Health Systems in India: Evidence from Healthcare Infrastructure and Workforce Trends, 2005–2022

2026-10-09T09:44:36+00:00

The National Rural Health Mission (NRHM), launched in 2005 and subsequently incorporated into the National Health Mission (NHM), was designed to strengthen healthcare infrastructure and human resources in rural India. This study assesses the impact of NRHM/NHM on the development of public health infrastructure and workforce availability between 2005 and 2022. The analysis is based on secondary data obtained from Rural Health Statistics( Table 3 to 12 ) and official government publications Statistical Handbook of India covering Sub Centres (SCs), Primary Health Centres (PHCs), Community Health Centres (CHCs), and key categories of health personnel across Indian states and union territories. The findings indicate substantial progress in the expansion and institutionalization of rural healthcare infrastructure. The number of sub-centers increased from 146,026 in 2005 to 156,101 in 2022, while PHCs rose from 23,236 to 25,140 and CHCs from 3,346 to 5,481. Among these facilities, CHCs recorded the highest growth rate (63.8%), reflecting increased emphasis on strengthening secondary-level healthcare services. Notable qualitative improvements were also observed in the physical infrastructure of health facilities. The proportion of facilities functioning from government-owned buildings increased considerably, reducing dependence on rented and temporary premises and enhancing the stability and sustainability of service delivery. Human resource development showed mixed outcomes. The availability of auxiliary nurse midwives (ANMs), doctors, pharmacists, and nursing personnel improved substantially, supported by expanded sanctioned posts and recruitment efforts. Consequently, workforce shortfalls declined in several categories. However, large numbers of sanctioned positions remained vacant, particularly in populous states. The most critical challenge was the persistent shortage of specialist doctors and radiographers at CHCs. Specialist shortfalls increased from 6,110 in 2005 to 17,519 in 2022, while radiographer shortages nearly tripled, constraining the effective delivery of referral, emergency, and diagnostic services. The study concludes that NRHM/NHM has notably strengthened the rural health infrastructure and basic healthcare workforce capacity in India. However, persistent shortages of specialized personnel, regional disparities, and recruitment and retention challenges continue to limit the effectiveness of rural healthcare delivery. Addressing these gaps is essential for achieving equitable, accessible, and quality healthcare for rural populations and for advancing the broader goals of universal health coverage in India.