Since decades, women have been a major part of marginalised section in India. Women as a class have suffered a lot and still continue to suffer even in 21st century. Women in general have been covered by many government programmes, policies and initiatives in India. However, it can be observed that many such programmes have hardly recognised widows as a separate section. Widows are considered to be more vulnerable in a social environment as that of India. Hence, special affirmative actions are required for upliftment of widows in India. This paper aims to take overview of general status of women and widows in India. In addition to this, it discusses government initiatives for widows in India.