A survey on women's education and their economic condition in Odisha.

Education has been considered as panacea for all sorts of social issues. This paper indents to study the education status and economic condition of women in the district of Khordha, Odisha. With the help of a survey instrument, data were collected from 446 respondents of rural and urban areas of Khordha district. Trained data collectors were appointed to collect data and the sampling method was multi stage purposive sampling method. Descriptive statistics of the collected data reveals that education level of the women have been increased substantially both in urban and rural areas, most of the respondents have good housing condition and access to clean drinking water, they have their own house. However, the employment status of women has not increased. The most important reason for school drop-out has been poverty, parental decision and early marriage. Further, there is a need for subsequent study in the other districts with reference to similar parameters so that a complete understanding of the inter district position of Odisha as a whole can be made. However, it is quite clear that despite inadequate formal employment women have made significant contribution towards productivity, economic well-being as well as social harmony. This immense contribution has made our society inclusive, sensitive and empathetic.