The survey conducted by National Commission Women on the status of widows and abandoned living in Mathura and Vrindavan indicated that a majority were from West Bengal. In view of this finding the Govt. of West Bengal through the Dept. of Social Welfare, commissioned a study of Bengali women living in this area.

The aim of the survey was:

·     to determine at least with a reasonable degree of accuracy, the number of destitute Bengali women in Vrindavan and its surrounding area.

·    to explore the reasons that precipitated the influx to Vrindavan.

·    to find out to what extent the influx still continues.

·    to make an assessment of the present socio­economic status of such women and

·    to propose measures which can bring them some relief in their distress.

(From the National Commission for Women's Report on Vrindavan Widows - Written by Deepali Rhanot)