Evaluating The Operational Dynamics and Financial Accountability of Kerala’s Welfare Corporations in Promoting Socio-Economic Equity among Marginalized Groups

Marginalized groups are communities that experience persistent social, economic, and political disadvantages, often resulting in limited ac‎cess to essential resources such as education, employment, healthcare, and financial stability. In Kerala, efforts to promote inclusive development have led to the implementation of a wide range of welfare schemes. Among these, three key public sector organizations—Kerala ‎State Women’s Development Corporation (KSWDC), Kerala State Handicapped Persons Welfare Corporation (KSHPWC), and Kerala ‎State Development Corporation for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (KSDCSCST)—have been selected for this study based on ‎their targeted welfare initiatives aimed at empowering women, Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and persons with disabilities. ‎This research evaluates the impact of these welfare schemes on the socio-economic development of marginalized communities in Kerala ‎using a quantitative approach. Using Multiple Linear Regression (R² = 0.78) and MANOVA, the research finds statistically significant ‎improvements in financial independence (M = 3.8), job security (M = 3.5), educational attainment (M = 3.9), and quality of life (M = 4.0). ‎Factor analysis identifies strategic domains such as skill development, gender empowerment, and accessibility. These results demonstrate ‎that targeted welfare policies yield measurable and meaningful socio-economic advancements. The study underscores the need for accounta‎bility-driven, inclusive policymaking.