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

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.