An Economic analysis of Education and Skill Development in enhancing the Economic Empowerment of Tribal Womenin West Garo Hills District of Meghalaya
1Jayashree Hajong* and 2R. Baby Bowna**
1,2Department of Economics, Faculty of Arts, Annamalai University, Annamalai Nagar, Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu – 608002 (India) 2 (Deputed to) Department of Economics, Government Arts College, C. Mutlur – 608102 (India) Author for Correspondence: 1*Jayashree Hajong Email: jayashreehajong44@gmail.com Contact details of authors: – 7005880415 ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0009-0009-2653-6851 2**R. Baby Bowna – 9487884536 ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0009-0004-5997-6179
ABSTRACT
This study examines the role of education and skill development in enhancing the economic empowerment of tribal women in West Garo Hills District of Meghalaya. The research adopts a descriptive and analytical design using both quantitative and qualitative approaches. Primary data were collected through a structured questionnaire from 150 tribal women respondents using a multi-stage sampling technique, while secondary data were obtained from government reports, academic publications, and institutional sources. Statistical tools such as correlation analysis, multiple regression analysis, factor analysis, and the construction of an Economic Empowerment Index were used to analyze the data. The results indicate that education and skill development have a strong positive relationship with income generation, employment status, savings capacity, and decision-making power