Assessing the Changing Socioeconomic and Intellectual Patterns of Tribal Students in Dharmapuri District through Welfare-Based Interventions: An Empirical Analysis

Abstract

This quantitative study examines the influence of welfare-based interventions on the socioeconomic status and intellectual development of tribal students in Dharmapuri District, Tamil Nadu. Using a descriptive correlational design, data were collected from 400 students through a structured questionnaire covering welfare utilization, socioeconomic indicators, and intellectual abilities. Statistical analyses revealed that welfare utilization was positively correlated with socioeconomic status (r = 0.642, p < 0.01) and intellectual ability (r = 0.589, p < 0.01). Regression results indicated that welfare utilization and socioeconomic status together predicted 47.9% of the variance in intellectual ability. The findings suggest that welfare schemes significantly enhance educational equity and cognitive growth among tribal learners. The study emphasizes the need for continuous monitoring, equitable access, and targeted policy efforts to sustain inclusive development and academic empowerment in tribal communities.