The Uttar Pradesh government has allocated significant funds under Mission Shakti to enhance women’s safety, focusing on infrastructure, awareness, and empowerment programs. From dedicated police facilities to digital tools like the Mission Shakti portal, the initiative aims to curb crimes against women while promoting self-reliance through skill development and entrepreneurship opportunities.
Uttar Pradesh Strengthens Women’s Safety with Mission Shakti Investments
The Uttar Pradesh government has intensified its efforts to ensure women’s safety and empowerment through substantial financial allocations under the Mission Shakti program. Launched in October 2020 by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the initiative has evolved into a multi-faceted campaign addressing women’s security, dignity, and self-reliance. Recent updates highlight the state’s commitment to leveraging funds for infrastructure upgrades, technological advancements, and awareness drives to combat crimes against women.
In 2020, the state sanctioned ₹309 crore (approximately $41 million) for five major cities—Varanasi, Gorakhpur, Noida, Agra, and Prayagraj—to bolster security infrastructure. These funds have been utilized to install advanced surveillance systems, set up dedicated control rooms, and enhance policing mechanisms. The introduction of 100 pink two-wheeler patrols and 10 four-wheeler pink patrols has enabled women police officers to monitor schools, colleges, and public spaces, ensuring swift responses to incidents. Additionally, the construction of ‘Pink’ toilets with proper lighting in high-risk areas has addressed safety concerns in public spaces.
A key component of Mission Shakti is the establishment of dedicated women’s complaint rooms in over 1,500 police stations across the state. These rooms, staffed by female constables, ensure that women can report issues in a safe and supportive environment, with prompt action taken on complaints. The state has also reactivated Anti-Romeo squads, which operate in plain clothes near educational institutions and public areas to deter harassment and ensure women’s safety.
In October 2024, Uttar Pradesh announced the launch of a dedicated Mission Shakti web portal, developed by the Uttar Pradesh Systems Corporation Limited (UPDESCO). This portal serves as a centralized platform to track departmental efforts, analyze data, and monitor activities aimed at curbing crimes against women. Features include user management, reporting modules, and event uploads, enabling real-time oversight and coordination among departments like home, education, and women and child development. The portal also provides statistical insights to strengthen policy implementation.
Financial support under Mission Shakti extends beyond security to empowerment. The program includes workshops and training initiatives to equip women with skills for self-reliance. A notable effort is the collaboration with SIDBI Bank and other financial institutions to train women in driving e-auto rickshaws, coupled with access to loans for purchasing vehicles. This entrepreneurship development initiative aims to foster economic independence, enabling women to thrive in traditionally male-dominated sectors.
The state has also prioritized awareness campaigns to promote gender sensitivity and women’s rights. Mission Shakti’s third phase, launched in 2021, expanded schemes like the Destitute Women Pension Scheme, benefiting over 27.95 lakh women, and the Kanya Sumangala Yojana, supporting 7.58 lakh girls since 2019. Mahila Shakti Kendras, operational in 64 districts, serve as hubs for empowerment activities, offering resources and support for women in rural and urban areas.
Technological advancements are a cornerstone of the program’s second phase, with funds allocated to reduce response times for law enforcement. Divisional commissioners in seven districts—Aligarh, Bareilly, Jhansi, Moradabad, Saharanpur, Kanpur, and Meerut—have been tasked with developing comprehensive safety plans. These plans integrate digital tools and data analytics to enhance policing efficiency and ensure rapid intervention in emergencies.
The Uttar Pradesh government’s zero-tolerance policy towards crimes against women is evident in Chief Minister Adityanath’s directives for stringent action against perpetrators. Public awareness drives, coupled with social boycott measures for offenders, aim to deter criminal behavior. The state’s investment in Mission Shakti reflects a holistic approach, combining infrastructure, technology, and empowerment to create a safer and more inclusive environment for women.
Disclaimer: This article is based on information sourced from government announcements, official websites, and news reports, including The Times of India, The Economic Times, and Mission Shakti’s official portals. Data and figures are accurate as per the latest available updates. Readers are advised to verify details with official sources for the most current information.