Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath applies tilak to a girl during the ‘Shiksha ki Udaan’ initiative on the occasion of the first day of the Navratri festival, in Balrampur on Sunday
He also cited an increase in female workforce participation from around 12% to over 36%, which he said reflects expanding opportunities and rising confidence.
Lucknow: Chief minister Yogi Adityanath on the first day of Sharadiya Navratri greeted the people of the state and said govt has remained committed to strengthening the position of women through stricter action against crime and an improved economic ecosystem for female entrepreneurs. He said spiritual well-being of an individual, family, society and the nation could be achieved only by honouring women, and urged greater participation of women in social and economic life. The chief minister said Uttar Pradesh has moved from an image of “updrav pradesh” to “utsav pradesh,” linking the shift to improved law and order, governance reforms and stronger safety measures. He said these steps have helped create an environment where women are increasingly pursuing education, employment and entrepreneurship. He said girls who earlier faced difficulties stepping outside their homes are now contributing actively to the economy, including in sectors requiring round-the-clock operations. Yogi said govt remains committed to the vision of “Sashakt Nari, Samriddh Uttar Pradesh” as part of efforts to build a developed state and a stronger nation.
Addressing a gathering, he highlighted what he described as rising participation of women in the state’s start-up sector. In a message posted on social media, Yogi quoted a Sanskrit shloka from the Manusmriti to stress the importance of respecting and protecting women for building a successful society. The chief minister listed govt schemes aimed at supporting women and girls across stages of life, including the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana and Poshan Abhiyan for maternal and child health, and the Mukhyamantri Kanya Sumangala and Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana for education-linked financial support and future security. He also pointed to Mission Shakti , Operation Kayakalp, Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas, Safe City initiatives, the Rani Lakshmibai Scooty Scheme and Lokmata Ahilyabai Holkar Working Women Hostels as measures intended to expand access to education, mobility, safety and self-reliance.