Lucknow: The Uttar Pradesh government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, has taken initiatives that have not only helped women break barriers but also served as a testament to the transformative power of leadership committed to women empowerment.
According to a press release, women are emerging as a major force in the state who are playing an important role in the development of the state.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath launched the fourth phase of Mission Shakti on the auspicious occasion of Shardiya Navratri.
This mission is a comprehensive effort aimed at ensuring the safety, dignity and self-reliance of women.
In this phase the major focus was on enhancing the skills of women and connecting them with employment opportunities. Additionally, the initiative aims to increase awareness about healthcare facilities and government schemes, ensuring free consultation and treatment for various diseases, the release said.
In an unprecedented move, the Chief Minister inaugurated ‘Mission Mahila Sarathi’ under the Mission Shakti campaign. The aim of this initiative was to engage and empower women in the field of transportation.
A fleet of 51 ordinary buses (BS 6) was flagged off, operated exclusively by women as drivers and conductors. This not only provided employment opportunities but also broke stereotypes by showcasing the capabilities of women in non-traditional roles.
Understanding the need for a dedicated channel of communication for women’s issues, the Yogi government appointed Shakti Didi.
According to the release, Shakti Didi acts as a bridge to create understanding of problems related to women and children.
Importantly, they provide vital information about key laws, government schemes and helpline numbers, empowering women to prevent crimes and seek help when needed.
Under Kanya Sumangala Yojana, a package of Rs 15,000 is given from the birth of the daughter till her education. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has announced a significant increase in this amount to Rs 25,000 from the coming financial year.
This visionary step not only ensures free education but also provides financial assistance for other expenses related to the well-being of daughters in the state.
In October, the Yogi government organized the program ‘Haq Ki Baat, District Adhikari Ka Saath’, where district magistrates interacted with women victims of violence. This direct engagement demonstrated the government’s commitment to addressing issues at the grassroots level.
Additionally, power workshops were conducted to orient local and internal complaint committees in line with the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act 2013.
In a significant step towards gender equality, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath directed all Superintendents of Police/Commissioners to appoint a woman police officer in-charge of an additional police station along with the existing women police station in-charges.
This step not only acknowledges the capabilities of women in law enforcement but also ensures a more sympathetic and comprehensive approach to address the concerns of women.
Additionally, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath handed over appointment letters to 7,182 ANM health workers, an important step towards promoting women’s representation in health care and the workforce.
As part of the initiative to transform Uttar Pradesh into a $1 trillion economy, Chief Minister Yogi has actively involved women in promoting investment in the state. The state government has appointed 102 Entrepreneur Mitras and the impressive thing is that more than 20 percent of them are women.
These Entrepreneur Mitras carry the important responsibility of assisting the investors who have entered into the MoU with the Government during the Global Investors Summit 2023.
Their roles include visiting project sites, sharing information acquired, resolving complaints and resolving operational challenges to expedite the implementation of investment plans.
This inclusive approach not only promotes economic growth but also promotes women empowerment in the development scenario of the state.