Empowered Women: The Foundation of a Strong Uttar Pradesh, Says Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath

Lucknow, October 15 (Daily Kiran) : Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath recently highlighted the crucial role of empowered women in establishing a robust Uttar Pradesh and a developed India. Speaking on the fifth day of the Sharadiya Navratri festival, he noted that the daughters of the state are breaking barriers and achieving new heights through their talent and hard work.

In a post on the social media platform ‘X,’ Adityanath expressed that the worship of Goddess Skandamata, the deity of compassion and nurturing, conveys a significant message: when women are healthy, educated, and empowered, the nation’s present is secure and its future is bright.

He criticized previous governments for neglecting the welfare of daughters, claiming they were more focused on supporting their political allies. Before 2017, he stated, the health of mothers and the education of daughters suffered due to corruption and neglect, resulting in alarming maternal and infant mortality rates.

Over the last nine and a half years, the double-engine government has worked to improve this situation. Adityanath pointed out that many daughters were forced to abandon their education due to a lack of facilities. However, the current administration has established a comprehensive safety and welfare framework, from the birth of a girl child to her education and safe motherhood. The basic facilities in primary schools have surged from 36% to over 96% due to the Operation Kayakalp initiative. Additionally, the school dropout rate has plummeted from 20% to less than 3%.

During his address, the Chief Minister also mentioned various central and state schemes aimed at empowering women. He highlighted that through Atal Residential Schools, daughters from laborer and marginalized communities are receiving modern, world-class education. The expansion of educational opportunities in Kasturba Girls’ Schools up to class 12 has further facilitated girls in completing their education.

Investing in girls’ education, according to Adityanath, is an investment in their confidence and the future of the state. He noted that initiatives like the ‘Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana’ and ‘Nutrition Campaign’ have provided nutritional and financial support to pregnant mothers, contributing to a historic improvement in maternal and infant mortality rates. The ‘Ayushman Bharat Scheme’ has ensured cashless treatment for millions of women in the state.

Furthermore, the ‘Chief Minister Abhyuday Scheme’ offers free preparation for competitive examinations for daughters. The number of female police officers in the state has risen dramatically from 10,000 in January 2016 to over 44,000 today. In his post, Adityanath concluded that Uttar Pradesh’s daughters are overcoming obstacles and setting new benchmarks of success through their talent and hard work. He reiterated, “An empowered woman is the foundation of a strong Uttar Pradesh and a developed India. Jai Maa Skandamata.”