Women Empowerment for Promoting Rural Economy in West Bengal: A Study on Pallimangal (A Unit of Ramakrishna Mission Kamarpukur)

Abstract

This study aims at explorations of rural tourism at Kamarpukur, West Bengal, India, which acts as an incentive to promote local economy, socio-cultural changes and life style of the people residing around the tourist locations and empowerment of women for promoting quality of life. The purpose of this study is to explore the reasons for which tourists visit this location either for religious or for recreational purposes, which in turn has created tremendous impact on the local economy, life style and socio-cultural changes among the rural people in and around this tourist destination. This paper mainly emphasizes rural tourism and the role of women in promoting rural economy in the state of West Bengal with special emphasis on Pallimangal. There is wide scope for women empowerment through tourism in West Bengal in general and at Kamarpukur in particular. Steps should be taken by the government, banks, NGO's, Self-Help Groups, and so on to encourage and facilitate women in tourism related activities.