SOCIO- ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS OF THE SAMPLE HOUSEHOLDS: A COMPARATIVE STUDY BETWEEN VISAKHAPATNAM AND GUNTUR DISTRICTS OF ANDHRA PRADESH

The socio-economic characteristics of Scheduled Tribes (STs) in India differ significantly between hilly and plain areas. In hilly regions, STs often rely on subsistence agriculture, forest resources, and traditional crafts due to their isolated communities and challenging terrain, which limit access to markets and services. This results in lower levels of education and healthcare. Conversely, STs in plain areas generally have better access to educational and healthcare facilities, leading to improved socio-economic conditions and greater engagement in agriculture and trade. However, they also face challenges such as land alienation and the pressures of modernization, highlighting the need for targeted policies to support their development in both settings.