Lucknow

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on the third day of Sharadiya Navratri offered prayers to Maa Chandraghanta, saying she represents the indomitable courage of women.

Adityanath, in a nod to the spirit of the occasion, said that the "double-engine" government in UP is dedicated to ensuring women's dignity, self-respect and a life of honour.

The UP government, under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is setting new benchmarks in women's empowerment through good governance, he said on X.

The chief minister said that the divine form of Maa Chandraghanta symbolises the radiance, dignity and indomitable courage of women's strength and conveys the message that women's safety, respect and self-respect are the foundation of an empowered and prosperous society.

Before his government came to power in 2017, "rampant lawlessness across the state had cast a shadow over women's safety and dignity", Adityanath alleged.

At that time, instead of empowering mothers and sisters, the primary focus was on strengthening the families of those in power, the CM said, attacking opposition parties.

Adityanath added that the government's initiatives now range from protecting the lives of girl children and raising awareness about education through Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao, to supporting their bright future through the Mukhyamantri Kanya Sumangala Yojana and ensuring dignity in marriage through the Mukhyamantri Samuhik Vivah Yojana.

The government initiatives also include supporting motherhood through the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana, providing relief from smoke through the Ujjwala Yojana, safeguarding women's dignity through the construction of household toilets under the Izzat Ghar initiative, and granting property rights through Gharauni, he said.

The government has also ensured lifelong free bus travel for women aged above 60 years and provided social security through old-age pensions.

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Every initiative of the double-engine government is dedicated to ensuring women's dignity, self-respect and a life of honour, the CM said.