Uttar Pradesh's Mission Shakti 5.0 campaign—launched by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on the first day of Navratri—has already racked up over 2,500 FIRs and nearly 3,900 arrests statewide in its opening days. The aggressive initiative, aimed at fortifying women's security, self-reliance, and social inclusion, has mobilized tens of thousands of police personnel to transform public spaces into safer havens, drawing widespread praise for its zero-tolerance stance amid rising concerns over gender-based violence.
Nodal officer and Additional Director General (ADG) of the Women and Child Security Wing, Padmaja Chauhan, detailed the operation's early triumphs during a press briefing. "From bustling temples to crowded markets, our Anti-Romeo Squads have ramped up surveillance to deter eve-teasing and harassment head-on," she said. In just the initial phase, teams scoured 108,292 temples, malls, parks, and other hotspots, screening a staggering 9.77 lakh individuals. This led to 2,542 FIRs against offenders, with 3,972 arrests for anti-social antics ranging from stalking to public nuisance. An additional 3.13 lakh people received on-the-spot warnings and counseling sessions on respectful conduct, underscoring the campaign's dual focus on enforcement and education.
Preventive measures were equally robust, with action taken against 53,237 potential troublemakers to nip issues in the bud. Police didn't stop at routine patrols; they fanned out to 55,377 Navratra pandals and 4,947 Ramleela grounds and fair sites, ensuring festive fervor didn't spiral into chaos. Backing this ironclad security net were 37,337 dedicated officers, including 411 gazetted ranks, 7,999 inspectors and sub-inspectors, and 22,547 head constables and constables—deployed strategically across religious sites, markets, and high-traffic zones.
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But Mission Shakti 5.0 goes beyond boots on the ground; it's a holistic empowerment engine. At 39,911 venues—from temples to fairs—authorities hosted women's chaupals, interactive forums that drew over 20.5 lakh participants. These sessions, buzzing with discussions on rights, helplines, and self-defense, distributed pamphlets on key initiatives like the 1090 Women Power Line and Pink Booths for swift complaint resolution. "We're not just reacting to threats; we're building a culture where women lead with confidence," Chauhan emphasized, highlighting tie-ins with self-defense workshops and economic schemes.
This fifth iteration builds on the national Mission Shakti framework, a flagship under the Ministry of Women and Child Development launched in 2021-22 to safeguard and uplift women across India. In UP, it's evolved into a powerhouse: Previous phases slashed crimes against women by up to 20% in targeted districts, boosted female literacy through incentives like Kanya Vidya Dhan, and funneled loans via Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana to spark women-led startups. Over 40,000 schools have rolled out self-defense training for girls, turning classrooms into resilience hubs. Yogi Adityanath, inaugurating the drive via digital link from Lok Bhawan, rallied women police on motorcycles in district-wide processions, chanting "Suraksha aur Samman, Nari ka Adhikar" (Safety and Dignity: A Woman's Right). "This isn't a scheme—it's a vow to every daughter of UP that her dreams won't shatter under fear," he declared.
The timing couldn't be more poignant, aligning with International Girl Child Week (October 3-11), amplifying calls for gender equity. Principal Secretary Leena Johri of the Women and Child Development Department called it "as crucial as schooling," a movement fostering secure environments where girls thrive. Yet, challenges linger: Activists note that while arrests surge, conviction rates hover around 30%, urging faster judicial reforms. Social media is abuzz with #MissionShakti50, where women share empowerment stories alongside demands for sustained funding—the national budget earmarks Rs 3,150 crore for such efforts.
As Navratri's nine nights unfold, Mission Shakti 5.0 stands as a beacon of resolve in a state where women's safety remains a hot-button issue. With over 1,663 police stations now boasting dedicated Shakti Centres, UP is betting big on prevention over cure. Will this blitz sustain momentum beyond the festivals, or fizzle into routine? Early signs point to a seismic shift, proving that when vigilance meets vigilance, predators think twice—and women step forward unafraid.
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