Varanasi: Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday said the state government’s top priority is the safety of daughters, warning that anyone who attempts to compromise their security would have no option but “jail or hell.”He was addressing the “Working Women Honour Ceremony” organised at the Asha Education Group campus in Babatpur-Pindra during his visit to Varanasi. At the event, he honoured Anganwadi workers, cooks, sanitation workers and ASHA workers.Yogi praised the gathering of women and said such programmes are important to recognise the contribution of half the population. He said Kashi is preserving its spiritual heritage and cultural values while establishing its identity at the global level. He added that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is committed to taking Kashi’s identity to the world.Highlighting women’s safety, Yogi said Mission Shakti has provided a strong foundation for the security of women and girls. He said 20% reservation for women has been ensured in the Uttar Pradesh Police. The number of women in the state police has increased from around 10,000 before 2017 to nearly 45,000 now. He also said three women battalions of the PAC have been named after great women warriors—Rani Avanti Bai Lodhi, Veerangana Uda Devi and Veerangana Jhalkari Bai.Referring to welfare schemes, the CM said the govt is not limited to framing policies but is also ensuring that benefits reach needy families. He mentioned the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, Mukhyamantri Awas Yojana, Ujjwala Yojana, construction of household toilets, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, Mukhyamantri Kanya Sumangala Yojana, Samuhik Vivah Yojana and Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana, saying these initiatives have brought positive changes in the lives of women and girls.Yogi said half the seats in Atal Residential Schools have been reserved for girls and education for daughters is being promoted through Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas. He also referred to the Rani Laxmibai Scooty Yojana, under which meritorious girl students will be given scooters.Emphasising women’s economic empowerment, the Chief Minister said around 28 lakh women in the state are associated with economic activities through self-help groups. Schemes such as BC Sakhi and Drone Didi are creating new responsibilities and employment opportunities for women.He said women are no longer behind in any field, including space technology, sports and the armed forces. The govt will ensure that no woman’s dream remains unfulfilled due to a lack of capital.Yogi also highlighted the One District One Product scheme, saying it is playing an important role in promoting traditional art and local products. He said efforts are being made to provide markets and employment opportunities for products ranging from Varanasi handicrafts and sarees to Firozabad’s glass industry.He said better roads, bridges, flyovers, highways, airports and expressways strengthen connectivity, which in turn boosts employment and economic activity. He also mentioned pension support under welfare schemes for widows, differently-abled and elderly women, saying they are being provided Rs 12,000 annually and the government is working to increase it.A film was also screened during the programme, highlighting the govt’s priorities regarding women’s honour, safety, education, employment and economic self-reliance.
