The agricultural production and rural development are being linked inseparably, are crucial for achieving the twin goal of all round development of rural women. The book gives a comprehensive picture of the legislative framework of Panchayati Raj Institutions as it exists today and how it has helped in one way or the other in empowering the rural women.

 The book gives an overview of all the dimensions of the issues covered viz., importance, objective, the scope of the study in the very beginning, followed by the review on Panchayati Raj, decentralization, women empowerment and other issues directly or indirectly related to the present study.  The data for this study has been collected both from primary as well as secondary sources. Primary sources include Government of India and U.P. Government Publications and reports. Secondary sources are research articles published in National and International Journals, books and monographs.

Further, it examines the socio-economic status of the village respondents, especially women. An attempt has been made in this study to critically evaluate the continuous support by Panchayats to rural women.  The study explores the evolution of Panchayati Raj, its working, democratic decentralization results in a state apparatus more responsive to local needs and aspirations.  The concept of post-harvest management and its importance has been evaluated critically.

 The study further emphasises that though women are the crucial players in the total workforces of the society, they have not been given much power in the decision-making the findings process either in household affairs or in agriculture-related affairs.  

This book is a timely addition to the literature on Panchayati Raj Institutions and fills the voids that are left.  It will prove useful to researchers,  students, decision-policy makers and elected members of PRI system,  committed to decentralisation and power to the people.