Lucknow, 18 Oct (HS): On Maha Ashtami, during Sharadiya

Navratri, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath delivered prayers to Maa

Mahagauri, emphasizing that genuine societal progress is only possible when

women are active participants in development. He claimed that the state's

double-engine administration, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is boosting

Nari Shakti (women power) through five basic pillars: security, respect,

nutrition, education, and economic self-reliance. Through localized financial

and social empowerment frameworks such as BC Sakhis, Lakhpati Didis, and

digital entrepreneurial initiatives, the administration continues to position

women as main drivers of rural and macroeconomic growth, rather than just

welfare recipients.

According to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath message

on X, the worship of Maa Mahagauri—the symbol of peace, purity, and

compassion—reminds society that true progress is only possible when every

mother is safe and healthy, every daughter receives proper nutrition and a

bright future, and every woman lives with self-reliance and dignity. He

emphasized government activities during the double-engine administration,

including: Women are empowered through self-help groups (SHGs) that manage

take-home meals. Raising Anganwadi workers' monthly honorariums from Rs. 3,000

to Rs. 12,000, as well as providing health insurance benefits. Rural women are

being supported through dairy producer firms, as well as 'BC Sakhi' and

'Lakhpati Didi' initiatives.

Eliminating Nutrition Mafia: Unlike before 2017, when

nutrition distribution networks were under mafia control, the government moved

manufacture and distribution of Take-Home Ration straight to women's Self-Help

Groups (SHGs). This measure increased openness and boosted the battle against

malnutrition.

Strengthening the Rural Economy: Over 4 lakh women have entered the dairy

entrepreneurship sector through women-led milk producer businesses such as

Balinee, Samarthya, Kashi, Baba Gorakhnath, and Srijani in 31 districts,

transforming dairy farming into a reliable source of income.

In a post on X, he mentioned, “The worship of Mother

Mahagauri, the symbol of peace, purity, and compassion, reminds us that true

progress in society is possible only when every mother is healthy and secure,

every daughter receives nutrition and a better future, and every woman can live

a self-reliant life with dignity. Under

the guidance of the esteemed Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi ji, the state's

double-engine government has expanded opportunities for women's empowerment by

making Nari Shakti an active partner in the state's progress, encompassing

security, respect, nutrition, education, and economic self-reliance.”

“Before 2017, arrangements related to children's nutrition

in the state were suffocating under the mafia's grip, but after the

double-engine government came to power in the state, we entrusted the

production and distribution of take-home rations to women in self-help groups,

ensuring transparency in the system while paving the way for women's economic

self-reliance. This initiative has not only strengthened nutrition services in

the state but also made the fight against malnutrition more effective. Along

with this, we have laid the foundation for children's nutrition and early

education by increasing the honorarium for Anganwadi workers from Rs. 3,000 to Rs.

12,000 per month. At the same time, by providing health insurance benefits, we

are strengthening their health, safety, and social welfare,” he added.

“Today, more than 4 lakh women from 31 districts, connected

to milk production companies like Balini, Samarthya, Kashi, Baba Gorakhnath,

and Srijani, are strengthening the rural economy by making milk production a

powerful means of income, entrepreneurship, and self-reliance. The BC Sakhini

initiative in every Gram Panchayat has played a crucial role in not only making

women self-reliant but also expanding financial inclusion in rural areas. Today, more than 1.2 crore women in the state are connected

to self-help groups, writing a new saga of self-reliance. Through the Lakhpati

Didi initiative, women are converting their hard work and skills into regular

income and economic prosperity, ensuring the well-being of their families. By

the grace of Mother Mahagauri, women's lives in the state today are illuminated

with security, respect, strength, and prosperity. Empowered Women, Prosperous

Uttar Pradesh! Jai Maa Mahagauri!” he stated prior to signing off.

Hindusthan Samachar / Abhishek Awasthi