CONSTRAINTS FACED BY THE RESPONDENTS IN AVAILING THE BENEFITS OF DWCRA IN SRIKAKULAM DISTRICT OF ANDHRA PRADESH

Abstract

Women and Children constitute 67.7 per cent of the country’s total population as per the census 2001. 
Women exclusively accounted for million constituting 48.3 percent of the country’s population. By virtue of these 
figures, they shall be considered as an important target group. Hence, it becomes an essentiality to empower 
women economically and socially for promoting national development. Development of Women and Children in 
Rural Areas (DWCRA) was launched as sub scheme of IRDP. It was initially started as pilot project in 50 selected 
districts in all states during 1982- 1983. During, the IX plan almost all state governments started implementing 
DWCRA activities in rural areas. The objectives of this programme are to organize women into socio-economic 
activity groups with the dual purpose of providing self- employment opportunities and social strength to them. 
Besides, providing financial support for income generating activities, DWCRA also increases women’s access to 
basic services of health, education, children’s nutrition, safe drinking water, sanitation and environment. Though 
there are many achievements to its credit, still there is wider space to accommodate many innovative ideas elicited 
through the participation of women over the years for improving the programme periphery.