Purpose This study aims to evaluate the multidimensional poverty (MDP) conditions prevalent among Scheduled Tribe (ST) women in four economically lagging districts of West Bengal, India – namely Paschim Medinipur, Jhargram, Purulia and Bankura. The investigation primarily explores the role of self-help groups (SHGs) in influencing the extent of MDP, with due consideration to the socioeconomic characteristics of the respondents’ households. Design/methodology/approach The analysis is based on primary data and seeks to contribute to the discourse on inclusive social development in the region. Multidimensional poverty index (MPI) has been calculated using the Alkire–Foster methodology, focusing on three core dimensions: education, health and living standards. Findings Among tribal women, especially in Paschim Medinipur and Jhargram, SHG involvement is associated with a decrease in MDP. Purulia experiences less of an influence, but Bankura exhibits a minor reversal, suggesting regional differences. These differences demonstrate how district-specific socioeconomic circumstances and institutional support systems affect SHG efficacy. Despite the involvement of SHGs, a significant portion of the population remains deprived of basic facilities such as clean cooking fuel and electricity. In addition, challenges related to malnutrition, limited access to safe drinking water and a lack of essential amenities persist leading to unsustainable society. Nevertheless, the overall level of MDP among ST women in the surveyed regions is relatively lower among SHG members compared to their nonmember counterparts. As the study underscores the positive impacts of SHGs in mitigating MDP and promoting social sustainability in these marginalized districts of West Bengal it is recommended to increase the capacity of the SHGs via skill development, financial assistance and entrepreneurial initiatives. Facilitating women’s access to education, healthcare and essential services, empowering SHGs might lead to significantly alleviate MDP among ST communities and promote inclusive social development in the region. Social implications They suffer from nutritional insecurity, proper healthy drinking water and live without basic amenities. Besides, the degree of MDP is significantly low for the ST women of both the districts. It is further found that SHG has played a favorable role in reducing the degree of MDP in both the observed districts of West Bengal, India. The situations of the tribal women in the districts were highly gloomy making unsustainable social well-being and the program of SHG has led to positively affect in ensuring social inclusivity as they now lead some sort of restituted livelihoods. Originality/value The study is original and does not resemble to any study in the field.
Jana et al. (Tue,) studied this question.