Yogi Adityanath Warns Those Threatening Women, Traders In Uttar Pradesh

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday warned that those who threaten the safety of women in the state will face strict consequences, declaring that "goons" and "mafias" would have to choose between "jail or hell". He made the remarks while addressing an event in Varanasi organised to facilitate working women.

Adityanath highlighted measures taken by his government for women's safety, including Mission Shakti, deployment of women police personnel and an integrated women beat system. He also claimed that the number of women police personnel in Uttar Pradesh had increased from around 10,000 in 2017 to 44,000, with the figure expected to reach 50,000. The government has also initiated the creation of three women police battalions of the Pradeshik Armed Constabulary in Badaun, Lucknow and Gorakhpur.

The Chief Minister also outlined several initiatives aimed at improving opportunities for women and girls. He noted that the Mukhyamantri Samuhik Vivah Yojana has facilitated marriages for more than five lakh girls, while Kasturba Gandhi Vidyalayas have been expanded from Classes 6 to 8 to Classes 6 to 12. He added that seats have been reserved for girls in Sainik schools and that a scheme named after Rani Lakshmibai will provide scooters to girl students who top the state Board examinations.

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Adityanath also highlighted plans under Project Ganga to appoint digital entrepreneurs at the Panchayat level. According to him, the initiative will create 4,000 women entrepreneurs who can help implement government schemes while also generating employment opportunities. He further claimed that the share of women in Uttar Pradesh's workforce had increased from 12 per cent to 36 per cent, with women being given opportunities across manufacturing, banking and service sectors.

The Chief Minister linked women's safety and empowerment with broader development in Uttar Pradesh, recalling concerns over the safety of girls travelling to schools and women's access to basic facilities before 2017. He also credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership for development in Varanasi and stated that around one lakh projects are either underway or have been completed in the city.

Adityanath also referred to the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam and its provision for greater representation of women in legislatures. Taking aim at opposition parties, he alleged that some political leaders attempt to divide society but avoid action against mafias. He concluded his warning by reiterating that anyone attempting to interfere with the safety of women would face legal consequences, using the phrase "jail or hell" to underline his message.

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