Pantnagar Journal of Research

Abstract

This research paper assesses the perceived benefits of the Tribal Sub Plan (TSP) project implemented in Udham Singh Nagar district of Uttarakhand, focusing on empowering tribal women through a series of five skill-based training programs conducted between January and March 2025. A total of 250 tribal women from blocks Gadarpur, Sitarganj, and Khateema participated in trainings on mushroom cultivation, food processing, and value-added products from sugarcane and millets. The study utilized structured questionnaires and interviews to evaluate economic, social, and behavioral changes post-training. Findings revealed that 38.8% of mushroom training participants and 38.0% of those trained in millet-based products reported increased income, while 19.6% of fruit and vegetable processing trainees also saw economic gains. Social indicators showed that 80% of participants experienced increased external contacts, 76% developed better relations with officials, and 74% reported enhanced social recognition. On the behavioral front, 90% gained awareness of tribal welfare schemes, 84% acquired new skills, and 80% developed an entrepreneurial mindset. The study concludes that the TSP training programs substantially contributed to income generation, self-employment, social upliftment, and behavioral transformation among tribal women, with implications for sustainable rural development through continued support and market linkages.