Uttar Pradesh, under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has made historic strides in women’s empowerment over the past eight years. With a historic gender ratio of 1,020 women for every 1,000 men, the state’s achievements in women’s empowerment reflect the impact of various state-led initiatives and a cultural shift to maintain gender equality.
Gender Ratio Improves to 1,020 Women per 1,000 Men
In a remarkable achievement, Uttar Pradesh has improved its gender ratio to 1,020 women per 1,000 men. This progress, driven by sustained government efforts and initiatives like ‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao,’ reflects a shift away from regressive practices like female foeticide and towards equal opportunities.
This improvement is a direct result of targeted efforts to reduce female foeticide, enhance family planning awareness, and encourage gender equality. The gender ratio in rural areas is even higher at 1,037 women per 1,000 men, compared to 985 women per 1,000 men in urban areas.
It is worth mentioning here that under CM Yogi Adityanath’s leadership, the state has prioritized women’s safety, health, education, and self-reliance, fostering a more progressive society.
‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao’
The most notable campaign under the Yogi government has been the ‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao’ initiative. This initiative has played a major role in shifting public perception towards the girl child. This initiative aims to prevent female foeticide, end child marriage, and promote gender equality. The campaign has encouraged families and communities to value daughters equally, leading to a cultural transformation in Uttar Pradesh.
‘Kanya Janmotsav’ Celebrates the Birth of Girl Child
The ‘Kanya Janmotsav’ initiative, launched under the ‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao’ campaign, has become a social movement in the state. So far, 3,822 events have been held across the state, celebrating the birth of 35,489 newborn girls.
Launched to curb female foeticide, end child marriage, and promote gender equality, the ‘Kanya Janmotsav’ program encourages families and society to celebrate the birth of a girl child. Fathers, brothers, family members, public representatives, and community leaders actively participate in these celebrations to foster a more inclusive mindset.
This initiative has brought together local communities to break the long standing patriarchal mindset in villages. To reinforce this change, the program is conducted on the first and third Mondays of every month at district, block, and village levels, ensuring widespread awareness about the importance of girls in society.
“Mukhyamantri Kanya Sumangala Yojana”
Along with ‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao’, the Mukhyamantri Kanya Sumangala Yojana has also played a vital role in empowering girls across Uttar Pradesh. This has benefited over 23 lakh girls so far. Under this scheme, financial assistance is provided from birth to higher education, securing the future of young girls.
According to the Women and Child Development Department, the scheme offers Rs 5,000 at the birth of a girl child, Rs 2,000 upon completion of one year and full immunization, Rs 3,000 each upon admission to Class 1 and Class 6, Rs 5,000 upon admission to Class 9 and Rs 7,000 after passing Class 10 or 12 and enrolling in a graduation or diploma program. In total, each beneficiary receives Rs 5,000 in assistance, ensuring their education and future security.
Improved Maternal and Infant Health
Under CM Yogi’s leadership, Uttar Pradesh has made remarkable progress in maternal and child health. Initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana, Janani Suraksha Yojana, and Mission Indradhanush have contributed to a substantial decline in maternal mortality rate (MMR), infant mortality rate (IMR), and neonatal mortality rate (NMR).
Nutritional Support for Women and Children
The Supplementary Nutrition Program has provided essential nutritional support to over 2 lakh beneficiaries from disadvantaged backgrounds, particularly pregnant women and young children. This initiative has helped improve the nutritional levels of women and children, contributing to better health outcomes and overall well-being.
Focused Programs for Adolescent Girls
For adolescent girls, the state government has launched special programs in eight aspirational districts, benefiting over 2.1 lakh young girls. These initiatives focus on their overall development, ensuring better health, education, and empowerment.
