Social Inequalities and Health Disparities among Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes: A Gender and Income Perspective in Maharashtra

Abstract

Health disparities among Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) in India continue to reflect deep-rooted social inequalities shaped by caste, gender, and economic disadvantage. This paper examines social inequalities and health disparities among SC and ST populations in Maharashtra, with a specific focus on gender and income as intersecting determinants of health outcomes. Maharashtra, despite being one of India’s economically advanced states, exhibits significant intra-state inequalities, particularly in tribal and socially marginalized regions.
Using an intersectional framework, the study draws upon secondary data from national health surveys, government reports, and existing literature to analyse variations in health indicators such as nutritional status, maternal and child health, morbidity patterns, and access to healthcare services. The findings indicate that SC and ST communities experience disproportionately poorer health outcomes compared to the general population, with women from low-income households facing the highest levels of vulnerability. Gender-based discrimination, low household income, occupational insecurity, geographic isolation (especially in tribal districts), and limited access to quality healthcare services collectively exacerbate health risks.
The paper highlights notable disparities between SC and ST populations across rural, tribal, and urban settings in Maharashtra, emphasizing how income constraints and gender norms restrict healthcare utilization and health-seeking behaviour. The study underscores the need for equity-oriented public health policies, strengthened primary healthcare systems, and targeted interventions addressing the specific needs of SC and ST women and economically marginalized households. By situating health outcomes within broader social structures, this research contributes to a deeper understanding of caste- and gender-based health inequalities and offers insights for inclusive and socially just health planning in Maharashtra.