Women’s welfare gets a boost as UP govt outlines major initiatives

Lucknow: Ahead of Women's Day, the state govt highlighted its ongoing efforts to promote women's empowerment. Detailing efforts made under the Women Shakti programme and other initiatives rolled out over the past eight years, a govt spokesperson said that the 2024-25 Budget introduced new provisions for women's education, healthcare, and livelihood opportunities. Under the Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban), the government has built nine lakh individual toilets and over 69,000 community and public toilets, making all urban areas open defecation free (ODF). To enhance women's safety, hygiene, and convenience, 1,100 pink toilets have been constructed across various blocks.To support the education of girls from underprivileged backgrounds, 680 Kasturba Gandhi Girls Schools have been upgraded, providing free residential education up to Class 12. Under the Marriage Grant Scheme, Rs 200 crore has been allocated for 2024-25, benefiting 58,594 women by Dec 2024. The Mukhyamantri Kanya Sumangala Yojana has also reached more than 22.11 lakh girls. Meanwhile, under the Nirashrit Mahila Pension Yojana, the number of beneficiaries has increased from 17 lakh in 2016-17 to 34 lakh in 2023-24. Each beneficiary under the scheme receives a monthly pension of Rs 1,000. The Supplementary Nutrition Programme has improved the lives of 2.12 crore beneficiaries, ensuring proper nutrition for children and pregnant or lactating women. Beneficiaries of the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana now receive two free LPG cylinder refills per year. Since 2017, more than 1.2 crore women have availed of free bus travel on Raksha Bandhan. Under the Lakhpati Mahila Yojana, 31 lakh women have been identified for financial support, with over two lakh already becoming lakhpatis, said the official. "Initiatives like Mission Shakti 5.0, Operation Garuda, and Operation Shield are actively running, ensuring a secure environment and stronger societal status for women and girls," he added. Special announcements for women in Budget 2025-26: -A provision of Rs 400 crore under the Rani Lakshmi Bai Scooty Yojana to provide scooties to meritorious female students. -Financial assistance under the Mukhyamantri Samuhik Vivah Yojana is proposed to be increased from Rs 51,000 to Rs 1 lakh. -Additional grants will be provided for widow remarriage and their daughters' weddings. -Rs 971 crore proposed as additional honorarium for Anganwadi workers and assistants. -Hostels for working women will be built in seven districts.