Lucknow, September 23: Under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the fifth phase of Mission Shakti commenced on September 22 and will last until October 21. The primary aim of this month-long initiative is to enhance women’s safety, empowerment, and self-reliance. This phase places a strong emphasis on women’s safety. The government plans to introduce dedicated helpline numbers for women, increase the number of women’s police stations, and expand the presence of female police personnel. Furthermore, pink booths and patrolling squads are being reinforced to ensure women can engage in society without fear.
The fifth phase of Mission Shakti is setting a new direction for transforming women’s lives, providing not only a secure environment but also empowering women in education, employment, and health. The initiative by the Yogi administration is a significant move towards making Uttar Pradesh a safe, empowered, and opportunity-rich state for women. Padmaja Chauhan, the nodal officer of Mission Shakti, noted that in this phase, education is recognized as a vital tool for women’s empowerment. Special awareness campaigns are being launched to promote girls’ education in rural areas, alongside the expansion of scholarship schemes and digital education programs. The Chief Minister advocates that education is essential for granting women equal opportunities and fostering self-reliance.
Programs under Mission Shakti aim to equip women with knowledge and connect them to new employment and entrepreneurial opportunities. This phase also emphasizes women’s health, with workshops and health camps addressing sanitation, nutrition, and mental health. There is a strong focus on ensuring accessible health services for women in rural and underprivileged regions. Additionally, the promotion of women’s entrepreneurship and self-employment schemes is underway, with the government offering financial and technical support for small industries, startups, and self-employment to help women achieve economic independence and enhance their roles within families and society. Training programs on self-defense, life skills, and leadership development are being conducted in this phase.
These workshops, held in schools, colleges, and community centers, aim to foster self-reliance and confidence among women. Specialized self-defense training is empowering women to safeguard themselves and others, while life skills programs prepare them to take charge of financial management, health-related decisions, and social responsibilities. The nodal officer emphasized that this phase also includes stringent legal measures to deter crimes against women. Special monitoring systems and fast-track courts have been established in every district to ensure swift justice for offenders. The police administration has been directed to prioritize cases involving women. The government’s unequivocal message is that any violation of women’s dignity and rights will not be tolerated.
In alignment with Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s vision, Mission Shakti transcends mere campaigning; it symbolizes the government’s steadfast commitment to women’s safety and empowerment. Built on the foundational pillars of safety, education, health, and employment, this initiative represents a tangible effort to empower and make women in Uttar Pradesh self-reliant.