LUCKNOW: Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday said that no force could prevent the establishment of “Ram Rajya” if women were given respect, security and self-reliance.Addressing a programme organised under the ‘Shiksha Ki Udaan’ initiative at the Devipatan temple complex, Adityanath said girls’ education and women’s self-reliance were among his government’s priorities.Applying tilak to nine girls representing Navdurga, he said,“If women receive respect, security and self-reliance, no force can prevent the establishment of Ram Rajya. The true meaning of worshipping Maa Bhagwati is also that society remains committed to respect and protect every woman.”In a statement, Adityanath said, “Before 2017, every fifth girl in the state would drop out of school midway through her education. Schools lacked facilities such as toilets and drinking water. Today, the state provides 1.60 crore children with two sets of uniforms, bags, books, sweaters, shoes, and socks every year.”He said the state now provides 1.60 crore children with two sets of uniforms, bags, books, sweaters, shoes and socks every year.The chief minister said Indian culture has a tradition of worshipping women’s power, adding that Navratri offers an opportunity to strengthen this resolve. He extended Navratri greetings to the people of the state and called on them to celebrate Lord Ram’s victory on Vijayadashami with grandeur.Recalling the steps taken by his government after coming to power in 2017, Adityanath said he had sought to understand why a large number of girls were dropping out of school.“After forming the government in 2017, I asked why such a large number of girls were dropping out of school. Initially, the distance to schools was cited as the reason.”He said a subsequent assessment revealed that schools lacked basic amenities such as toilets and drinking water. The government then directed officials to construct separate washrooms for boys and girls, ensure drinking water facilities and improve the quality of mid-day meals.“At that time, 60 to 70 per cent of girls went to school barefoot. Many children did not even have sweaters during winter. The government initiated arrangements to provide children with uniforms, sweaters, shoes and socks, bags, books and other facilities,” he said.Adityanath said Operation Kayakalp had helped government schools improve their infrastructure, with smart classes, digital libraries, better flooring and furniture being introduced. Children who earlier had no access to computers were also getting connected with modern education, he added.The chief minister also referred to prominent women mentioned in religious scriptures and highlighted the contributions of women in India’s history.He said Lokmata Ahilyabai Holkar oversaw the restoration of several temples, including Kashi Vishwanath, Somnath and Kedarnath. He also recalled Rani Lakshmibai’s fight against the British, saying she fought at the age of 25 and laid down her life at 26.“Avantibai Lodhi, Uda Devi Pasi and Jhalkari Bai also struggled for the country. With the framing of the Constitution in India, women were granted the right to vote on an equal footing with men,” he said.During the programme, Adityanath inaugurated an exhibition and inspected stalls set up by various departments.At the Virat Kisan Mela, he handed over keys to farmers under the Custom Hiring Centre initiative and distributed pesticide-spraying equipment.He said, “The ‘Saryu Nahar Pariyojana’ has been completed. Expanding its branches will accelerate agricultural development. The agriculture fair will provide farmers with an opportunity to understand new technologies and innovations.”(With Agency Inputs)
