ShodhPatra: International Journal of Science and Humanities

Tribal Life and Basic Facilities in Koraput, Odisha: A Study of Roads, Schools, and Health Services

The study explores the socio-economic and infrastructural development of tribal communities in Odisha’s Koraput district, with a focus on evaluating government initiatives and their impact on tribal livelihoods. It investigates the effectiveness of welfare programs and infrastructure projects in improving living standards, particularly in the areas of education, healthcare, and employment. Using a mixed-methods approach, primary data was collected from 320 tribal respondents across four blocks—Koraput, Semiliguda, Jeypore, and Borigumma—through structured questionnaires, while secondary data was sourced from official reports and academic literature. Statistical tools such as SPSS and ANOVA were used to analyze patterns and correlations. Findings reveal that although infrastructure development has contributed to improvements in connectivity, education access, and healthcare availability, significant disparities persist. Many tribal households continue to face poverty, limited employment opportunities, and inadequate public services. School dropout rates remain high, and healthcare facilities suffer from staffing shortages and logistical barriers. The study concludes that while government interventions have made notable progress, the benefits are unevenly distributed and often hampered by weak implementation and lack of community involvement. Strengthening participatory planning, region-specific strategies, and accountability mechanisms is essential for achieving inclusive and sustainable tribal development.