The Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Yogi Adityanath, during the worship of the Mahagauri idol on the eighth day of Sharadiya Navaratri, noted that true societal development is possible only when every woman is healthy and protected, every daughter receives nutrition and a better future, and every woman can live with dignity and independence.
He emphasized that the life of women's strength is illuminated by safety, respect, strength, and prosperity. The Minister stated that under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the state government, operating on the 'double engine' principle, has made women active participants in the region's progress by expanding opportunities in the areas of safety, respect, nutrition, education, and economic independence.
The Minister also criticized past failures of the government before 2017. He pointed out that at that time, child nutrition systems were controlled by the mafia. However, after the formation of the current 'double engine' government, transparency in the system was ensured by transferring responsibility for ration production and distribution to self-help groups at home, which paved the way for women's economic self-sufficiency and made the fight against malnutrition more effective.
As part of the support measures, the allowance for Anganwadi workers was increased from 3000 to 12000 rupees per month. Furthermore, they receive support regarding health, safety, and social well-being through medical insurance.
The Minister noted that over 400,000 women in 31 districts of the state are strengthening the rural economy by participating in dairy companies such as Balini, Samruddha, Kashi, Baba Gorakhnath, and Srujani. These women use milk production as a powerful tool for income generation, entrepreneurship, and achieving self-reliance. The BC Sakhi initiative in every Gram Panchayat has ensured financial inclusion in rural areas and helped women become self-reliant.
Currently, over 12 million women in the state are writing a new chapter of self-reliance by joining self-help groups. Through the 'Lakshmi Devi' initiative, women are turning their labor and skills into regular income and economic prosperity, ensuring the well-being of their families. The Minister concluded that thanks to the grace of Mahagauri, the life of women's strength in the state is illuminated by safety, respect, strength, and prosperity.