Tukaram Badiger
Ph.D., Central University of KarnatakaTukaram Badiger
Ph.D., Central University of KarnatakaMy research journey began with a keen interest in how structured social systems impact the quality of life of vulnerable populations, especially through livelihood and skill development programs. Over the years, I have focused on exploring the effectiveness of national schemes like the National Skill Qualification Framework (NSQF), particularly in improving livelihoods and ensuring sustainable development outcomes. I also examine the socio-economic dimensions of marginalized groups and the role of social defence mechanisms in their empowerment.
Through my academic and field research, I aim to bridge the gap between policy and practice by evaluating government-led initiatives from the lens of lived experiences. My doctoral research, for example, was an in-depth study of the impact of NSQF-based training on the quality of life and livelihood status of beneficiaries. This work combined both qualitative and quantitative approaches to identify key gaps and propose actionable improvements.
Currently, I am engaged in a project titled “Impact Evaluation of Community Halls under SCSP/TSP” funded by the Karnataka Monitoring and Evaluation Authority, where I serve as a Co-Principal Investigator. The project evaluates the community infrastructure created for Scheduled Castes and Tribes and assesses its role in promoting social inclusion.
I continue to work on themes such as gerontology, inclusion of persons with disabilities, and the role of education in empowering youth. I believe that social work research should actively contribute to policymaking and strive to address the challenges of inequality, exclusion, and underdevelopment through community-centered solutions.
Dr. Tukaram Badiger is currently serving as an Assistant Professor in the School of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences at Chanakya University, Bengaluru. He previously served at Karnataka State Rural Development and Panchayat Raj University, Gadag, where he contributed to research, teaching, and institutional development. He completed his Ph.D. in Social Work from the Central University of Karnataka, focusing on the impact of NSQF-based training on livelihood and quality of life.
Dr. Badiger has presented several papers at national and international platforms, including conferences in Thailand and Hyderabad. He has published research in peer-reviewed journals like Heliyon and the Malaysian Journal of Psychiatry. His research interests lie in livelihood promotion, social defence, gerontology, and inclusive development.
He has played an active role in organizing national seminars, including a State-Level Seminar on Elderly Issues and Interventions in collaboration with the National Institute of Social Defence. He also serves as an editorial board member of the Journal of Rural Development and Panchayat Raj. Dr. Badiger is a Independent assessor for Karnataka Monitoring and Evaluation Authority.
- Ph.D., Social Work, Central University of Karnataka, 2024
- MSW (HRM), Central University of Karnataka, 2017
- B.A., Karnataka University Dharwad, 2015
- T. Badiger, et al., “Polycystic ovary syndrome: An exploration of unmarried women’s knowledge and attitudes,” Heliyon, vol. 8, no. 7, 2022. DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e09835
- T. Badiger, et al., “Knowledge, Attitude, and Perception among School Teachers Towards Inclusion of Children with Disabilities in Kashmir: A Cross-Sectional Study,” Malaysian Journal of Psychiatry, vol. 32, no. 1, pp. 17–22, 2022. DOI: 10.4103/mjp.mjp_32_22
- B. Basitha, F. A. Paul, D. R. Dar, A. Saikia, R. Borah, A. K. Deka, Z. Hussain, T. Badiger, and A. R. Kharlukhi, “Together or apart: How distance shapes relationship conflicts and well-being among young adults in romantic relationships,” IAPS Journal of Practice in Mental Health, vol. 3, no. 1, pp. 19–24, Jul. 2025, doi: 10.4103/IJPMH.IJPMH_2_25.
- Badiger, T., Dar, D. R., Malla, V. A., Rimeiaka, A., Kharlukhi, D. H., Jamakhandi, H., … & Putta10, R. (2025). Exploring Menstrual Hygiene Practices, Knowledge, and Cultural Influences Among Transitioned-Aged Young Women In The Siddi Tribal Community: A Qualitative Analysis. Indian Journal of Health Social Work, 7, 1.
Project 1
- Title: Impact Evaluation of Community Halls Under SCSP/TSP (2018–19 to 2023–24)
- Duration: Ongoing
- Granting Agency: Karnataka Monitoring and Evaluation Authority
- PIs/Co PIs: Co-Principal Investigator
- Purpose: To assess the role of community infrastructure in promoting inclusive development
- Short Description: A qualitative and quantitative evaluation of community halls constructed under SCSP/TSP funds across Karnataka
- Grant Amount: ₹20,00,000 (KMEA 05 PROC 2025. Tender No KMEA/ 2024-25/SE0012/CALL-3 DT. 1002.2025)
- Qualified UGC-NET (2018) and SLET (2019–20)
- NFSC Fellowship awardee (July 2020)
- Served as a Member of the Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC) at Karnataka State Rural Development and Panchayat Raj University, Gadag, during my previous academic appointment
- Member, Editorial Board, Journal of Rural Development and Panchayat Raj
- Independent Assessor/Subject Expert, Karnataka Monitoring and Evaluation Authority
- Participated in multiple research methodology and SPSS workshops (2020–2023)
- Completed a one-month block placement training program at HAL (Hindustan Aeronautics Limited), Bangalore, from 3rd to 31st October 2017.
- One-month fieldwork practice of life-skills training with school children in 2016.
- One month fieldwork practice of Micro-Planning training using PRA tools in Village community, in 2016.
- Completed a one-month internship program at Yunus Centre, Dhaka, Bangladesh, in 2017.
Presentations in National and International Conferences
- Presented a paper titled “Implementing the National Skill Qualification Framework in India in the Context of Present Status and Challenges” in a two-day national seminar on “Strategic Improvement in Digital Learning Environment under NEP 2020: Higher Education Institutions” on 28th and 29th October 2022.
- Presented a paper titled “Impact of National Skill Qualification Framework-Based Training on the Livelihood of Beneficiaries” at the 9th ICSD Asia Pacific Biennial Conference on Sustainable Development Efforts in Times of Crisis from 29th November to 1st December 2022 at Thammasat University, Thailand.
- Presented a paper titled “Role of Professional Social Workers in Skill Development among Youth” at the annual national conference on Social Work in Education, jointly organized by the Department of Studies and Research in Social Work, Tumkur University, and the Indian Society of Professional Social Work (ISPSW) on 23rd, 24th, and 25th February 2023 at Tumkur University.
- Presented a paper titled “Impact of National Skill Qualification Framework-Based Training on the Quality of Life of Beneficiaries” at a seminar on “Self-Reliant India: A Pathway to Being Developed India Mission 2047” during 25th August to 26th August 2023 at St. Joseph’s Degree & PG College, Basheerbagh, King Koti Road, Hyderabad.
- Presented a paper titled “Nexus: Bridging Theory and Practice in Social Work through Agency Visit” at a seminar on “Social Work and Diversity: A Catalyst for Change” during 11th and 12th January 2024 at the Central University of Karnataka, Kalaburagi.
- Presented Paper title “An Empirical Study on Quality of Life and Post-Traumatic Stress Among Acid Violence Survivors in Karnataka” during 26th September,2025 at the Madhurai Institute of Social Sciences.
- Presented a paper titled “Beyond Shelter: Dharma-Based Approaches to Caring for Underprivileged Children in NELE Foundation Rehabilitation Centres” during the conference held from 5th to 7th December, 2025.
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0009-0381-2825
Scopus ID: 57789422900
- Organized a Two-Day State-Level Seminar on Elderly Issues and Interventions in collaboration with the National Institute of Social Defence, March 2024.
- Authored the seminar proceedings.
- Guided dissertations for PG students on topics such as acid attack survivors, employee satisfaction, and occupational stress among panchayat officers.