Marginal groups in Karnataka—including Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), religious minorities, and economically backward classes—face entrenched socio-economic inequalities, limited access to basic services, and systemic exclusion from the mainstream development process. According to the 2011 Census, SCs constitute 17.1% and STs 7% of the state population, yet over 61% of Dalit households remain landless, and only 59% of ST individuals are literate. Despite constitutional mandates and over ?12,000 crores allocated annually under the SCSP/TSP budget, gaps persist—dropout rates among tribal girls reach 45%, and unemployment among ST youth stands at 17.4%, higher than the state average of 10.6%. Access to public healthcare remains uneven, with only 12% of families from marginalized groups residing within 5 km of a Primary Health Centre. This research article, using a mixed-method approach, analyzes primary data from four districts (Tumakuru, Kalaburagi, Chamarajanagar, and Raichur) and secondary sources to reveal the persistent developmental divide. The study concludes with targeted policy suggestions to promote inclusive growth, reduce inequality, and ensure justice for Karnataka’s marginalized populations.
Marginalized groups, Karnataka, social exclusion, socio-economic inequality, Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, minorities, development, inclusion.
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