Lucknow, August 28: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath emphasized that Raksha Bandhan is not just a festival of tying protective threads but a symbol of faith, respect, dignity, and self-reliance. This celebration strengthens familial and social bonds while also promoting the economic independence of local artisans and craftsmen. Today, many of the rakhis tied to me were handmade by daughters. Approximately 150 million rakhis are being tied across the state, each linked to the economic activities of artisans, shopkeepers, and markets. Purchasing rakhis helps artisans earn, which in turn fuels economic growth.
The Chief Minister participated in the ‘Bitiya aur Bahna – UP ka Gahana’ event on Friday. He stated that respect and faith foster trust, which in turn strengthens dignity and self-reliance. A self-reliant society accelerates development. With this mindset, the Mission Shakti initiative is being implemented to ensure the safety, respect, and empowerment of daughters. Today, daughters are attending school without fear and advancing in every field, from education to employment.
Sharing his early experiences in office, CM Yogi recounted witnessing underprivileged girls going to school barefoot and without uniforms, while their brothers had shoes and uniforms. This prompted him to provide two uniforms, bags, books, shoes, and sweaters for girls. Eventually, this initiative expanded to all needy children. Currently, about 16 million children receive two uniforms, bags, books, shoes, and sweaters every year.
He noted that many girls previously dropped out of Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas after eighth grade. The government has decided to extend these schools up to the twelfth grade, with construction underway in all 825 development blocks. The number of girls in Atal Residential Schools has also increased. In 2018, the first military school in the country, named after Param Vir Chakra winner Captain Manoj Pandey, began admitting girls. Now, all military schools in the country have opened their doors to female students. The government’s goal is to create an environment where daughters can thrive according to their potential.
CM Yogi highlighted that women’s participation in the workforce has historically been low in the state. For nearly 75 years post-independence, only 12% of women were engaged in jobs or employment. This figure has now risen to over 36%. To support working women, initiatives for free hostels in major cities are also underway. Today, daughters are confidently stepping into night shifts, reflecting the changing landscape of Uttar Pradesh and the broader picture of women’s empowerment.
On the occasion of Raksha Bandhan, CM Yogi announced that from August 27 to 29, women can travel for free on Uttar Pradesh Transport Corporation and urban bus services. Any daughter, sister, or mother can travel with one companion without fare during these three days. Additionally, mothers over 60 years old will also enjoy free travel on state buses. He stated that there is no area of life where daughters are not making strides.
Referring to the Nari Shakti Vandan Act under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, CM Yogi asserted that women’s participation will not be limited to compliance with laws but will also extend to significant roles in law-making bodies. Women’s involvement in panchayats is already established, and their roles in state assemblies and the Lok Sabha are expected to grow.
The Chief Minister extended his best wishes to all daughters, sisters, and mothers in the state for Raksha Bandhan, affirming that the double-engine government stands firmly with daughters under PM Modi’s guidance. He urged daughters to work hard towards their goals and contribute to the development of the state and the nation.
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