67. The year 2001 is being observed as Women’s Empowerment Year. My colleague, the Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission is heading a Task Force to review the programmes for women. Meanwhile I propose to:

l Strengthen the Rashtriya Mahila Kosh for providing micro credit to poor assetless women through NGOs.

l Launch an integrated scheme for women’s empowerment in 650 blocks through women’s self help groups.

l Start a new scheme for women in difficult circumstances like widows of Vrindavan, Kashi and other places, destitute women and other disadvantaged women groups.