Shanlax International Journal of Economics

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

S. Muthukumaran — 2026-09-01

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.

Impact Assessment of MGNREGS: An Evaluation of Problems and Prospects

R. Santoshkumar — 2026-09-01

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.

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

S. Nagalakshmi — 2026-09-01

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.