The efforts made by the Indian development planners during the past decades are commendable in reducing poverty and other dimensions of human development. However, a number of tasks remain unfinished. Abject poverty is still a stark reality for millions of Indians. Also, wide gaps in human development among states, districts and social groups exist. There is an urgent need for more concerted efforts to achieve greater social and gender equality. Women in India are victims of a multiple socio-economic and cultural factors. They are an integral part of every economy. All round development and harmonious growth of a nation would be possible only when women are considered as equal partners in progress with men. Emancipation of women is a pre-requisite for a NATION'S ECONOMIC development and social upliftment. Poverty is the main obstacle for the improvement of the women. The role of women and the need to empower them are central to human DEVELOPMENT programs including poverty alleviation.