Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath greeted people on the occasion of International Women’s Day and said that the members of fairer sex have contributed immensely in the progress of the society and the country.

The CM pointed out that to realize the dream of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for a ‘New India’, women have to be empowered and made equal stake holders in comprehensive development of India. Yogi said that many steps have been initiated by both the Union and state governments in empowering the fairer sex.

Yogi said that after ‘Beti Bachao-Beti Padhao’ campaign, 1.26 crore bank accounts have been opened under ‘Sukanya Samriddhi’ scheme to financially empower girls. Besides, 3.2 crore free gas connections were distributed under ‘Ujjwala’ scheme so that women did not have problems running the kitchen. The government is also starting a nationwide campaign on International Women’s Day for ensuring a malnutrition-free India.

The CM further said that under ‘Pradhanmantri Matra Vandan’ scheme, eligible women were being provided financial assistance of Rs 6,000. He said that 16.42 crore women have opened accounts under ‘Pradhanmantri Jan Dhan Yojna’.

Similarly, under ‘Mudra’ scheme, 7.88 crore women have been given loans to realize their dreams and aspirations and Rs 6895 crore has been disbursed to women entrepreneurs under ‘Stand Up India’ scheme.

Yogi also said that the state government was working whole heartedly to provide safety and security to girls and women in the state and ensure social and economic empowerment.

Pointing out that no society could progress by ignoring women, Yogi claimed that soon after assuming charge in UP, his government initiated the ‘Anti-Romeo squad’ and several efforts were undertaken by his government.

The CM also informed that ‘181’ Women Helpline and Rescue Van scheme was running in all districts of the state.

“An educated and literate society can contribute to development of the country and keeping this in mind the state government was committed to encouraging girls education,”Yogi further said.

For free education till graduation, ‘Ahilyabai free education scheme’ was being run in the state and for this Rs 21 crore has been earmarked in the state’s budget for the current fiscal.

Yogi also said that the state government has made many provisions in state budget for 2018-19 fiscal. For empowering young girls ‘Sabla’ scheme has been started or which Rs. 351 crore has been allocated. In the same way for nutrition programme under ‘Comprehensive Child Development Schemes’ Rs 3,780 crore and Rs 524 crore for ‘Shabri Sankalp’ scheme have been given.

The Chief Minister also said that under ‘Nirashrit Mahila Pension’ scheme for destitute widows, the government has allocated Rs 1.263 crore.