Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday said the state, which faced concerns over women’s safety before the BJP government came to power in 2017, has now emerged as a symbol of women’s security and empowerment.
Extending greetings on the second day of Shardiya Navratri, dedicated to Maa Brahmacharini, the Chief Minister highlighted the importance of determination and perseverance in achieving goals.
“The mantra of success attained through the penance and resolve of Mother Brahmacharini teaches us that even goals that appear impossible can be achieved with firm determination,” he said.
Drawing a comparison between the situation before and after 2017, Adityanath said the BJP-led “double-engine government” was working towards fulfilling its commitment to women’s empowerment.
“Before the year 2017, Uttar Pradesh was surrounded by questions regarding women’s safety; today, it has become the new symbol of the security and strength of feminine power,” he said.
The Chief Minister attributed the changes to the state government’s zero-tolerance policy towards crime and criminals, technology-based surveillance, swift police action and public awareness campaigns.
He said these measures, implemented over the past nine-and-a-half years, had helped create a safer environment for women across the state.
Highlighting key government initiatives, Adityanath said the five phases of Mission Shakti, the Safe City project, Mission Shakti centres and women’s beat policing had strengthened the state’s women’s safety framework.
He also pointed to the expansion of women’s representation in the Uttar Pradesh Police, saying the number of women personnel had increased from around 10,000 to more than 44,000, supported by a 20 per cent reservation policy.
The Chief Minister further highlighted the establishment of three women battalions of the Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) in the state.
These include a battalion in Lucknow named after Veerangana Uda Devi Pasi, another in Gorakhpur named after Veerangana Jhalkari Bai Kore, and a third in Badaun named after Veerangana Avantibai Lodhi.
Adityanath said the initiatives reflected the government’s efforts to strengthen women’s security while expanding their participation in law enforcement.
“The double-engine government of the state is realising the resolve of ‘Empowered Women, Prosperous Uttar Pradesh’ through this tireless journey of empowering feminine power from security,” he added.
(IANS Inputs)
