Exploring the Dimensions of Awareness toward Poverty Alleviation Schemes among BPL Households in Haryana

Abstract

The present study explores the awareness level of Below Poverty Line (BPL) households towards poverty alleviation schemes in Haryana. Despite numerous government initiatives aimed at eradicating poverty, low awareness and limited accessibility continue to hinder their effectiveness. An exploratory research design was adopted, involving 180 respondents selected from six revenue divisions of Haryana through a structured questionnaire. The results of factor analysis revealed five key dimensions of awareness—Eligibility Awareness, Scheme Awareness, Procedural Awareness, Benefit Awareness, and Resource Awareness—which collectively explain a substantial portion of the total variance. The Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO) value of 0.878 and significant Bartlett’s Test of Sphericity confirmed the adequacy of the data for factor analysis. Findings indicated that eligibility and procedural awareness play a crucial role in determining the utilization of welfare schemes. The study concludes that increasing information dissemination, simplifying administrative procedures, and strengthening local communication channels are vital for improving beneficiaries’ participation and ensuring equitable access to poverty alleviation programs.