Determinants of social exclusion: A study on the persons with disabilities of Tripura in North East India

Persons with disabilities (PWDs) are among the most marginalised, impoverished section of society trapped in a vicious cycle of poverty, deprivation and social exclusion. Most of the PWDs are facing several barriers that limit their participation in mainstream societal activities, thereby leading a more or less secluded life. The present paper attempts to examine the socio-economic status of persons with disabilities. This paper also tries to examine the determinants of social exclusion in respect of persons with disabilities in the rural areas of Tripura. The study is based on primary data which is collected from all eight districts of Tripura. The socio-economic status is examined through the Social Exclusion Index which is composed of several social and economic parameters; and determinants of Social Exclusion are examined through multiple regression analysis. The study reveals that this marginalized section of rural Tripura is socially excluded in terms of socio-economic parameters. Income, poor educational status, marginalized cast category are the major determinants of social exclusion of disabled persons.