Gorakhpur, Feb 15 (UNI) Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday highlighted the pivotal role of women’s self-reliance in fostering a strong society and said that in societies where women are empowered, progress becomes inevitable.
Addressing the Nari Shakti Vandan Sammelan at Yogiraj Baba Gambhirnath Auditorium, the CM said, “In the year 2047, when the country completes its 100th year of independence, we will get a ‘Viksit Bharat’ with half of the population experiencing empowerment.
The government will make efforts at every level for women’s empowerment so that their safety, respect and self-reliance are ensured,” he said.
During the event, he engaged with beneficiary women associated with the National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM) and disbursed part-time loans amounting to Rs 54.25 crore to 3,617 self-help groups.
Yogi emphasized that by empowering half of the population, the government can propel the nation to new heights of development.
The Chief Minister said, “The government assures all women of its unwavering commitment to protecting their interests and taking the benefits of government schemes to all the needy people diligently and with utmost responsibility.”
Highlighting Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for women’s respect and safety, he pointed out that women in Gorakhpur are leading self-reliant lives through self-help groups, NGOs and the National Rural Livelihood Mission.
Yogi underscored the significance of the Nari Shakti Vandan Act passed during the Lok Sabha session recently. “This act aims to enhance women’s representation in the Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabha, providing them with 33 percent reservation without discrimination.
Previously, the representation of women in these Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabhas was disproportionately low, but now, with this reservation, they will have a fairer representation,” he said.
Highlighting Modi’s initiatives for women’s empowerment, the CM said, “Women have been at the forefront of initiatives like Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao, and Matru Vandana Yojana. Following the Prime Minister’s vision, every woman and farmer now receives benefits of the government’s schemes without discrimination.”
Yogi said, “Those without housing face significant challenges, with women often bearing a greater burden. Through the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Rural), the government has extended housing benefits to 61,556 beneficiaries in Gorakhpur alone. Additionally, under Mukhyamantri Awas Yojana, housing benefits have been provided to 38,866 people in Gorakhpur.”
The Chief Ministser noted the significant impact of the National Rural Livelihood Mission, with 20,847 self-help groups formed in Gorakhpur, involving over 3.05 lakh women. “Various pension schemes have also been instrumental in supporting women, with 63,563 benefiting from the Destitute Women Pension Scheme, 54,062 from Old Age Pension and 6,094 from the Divyangjan Pension Scheme,” he said.
