UP PCS Mains-2024

Approach Briefly define about women empowerment. Elaborate the initiatives of the of Uttar Pradesh government for women empowerment. Conclude suitably

Introduction

The empowerment of women is essential for sustainable development and economic growth. Thus, empowerment is fundamentally about the enhancement of individuals’ capabilities to make a difference in their surroundings, which affects their lives. Empowerment also relates to the influence of an individual on the social and cultural norms, informal and formal institutions in society. Women can be empowered in many ways: socially, economically, politically, and legally.

Body

Holistic Approach to Empowerment of Women:

Women's empowerment has always been recognized as the core of the inclusive growth policies of the Government of Uttar Pradesh. There are various initiatives and programs that focus on the inclusive development of women in the state.

Some of the major initiatives are:

• Mukhyamantri Kanya Sumangala Yojana: This scheme has proved to be decisive not only in balancing the sex ratio but also in providing the basis for the daughter to become self-reliant. Under this, the government will transfer money to the girl’s account at the time of her birth, then at the time of completion of one year of age, at the time of schooling, at the time of admission in first class, at the time of admission in sixth class, in 9th class and then at the time of admission in graduation etc.
• Banking Correspondent Sakhi: The appointment of Banking Correspondent Sakhi (BC Sakhi) in each Gram Panchayat. It is noteworthy that there are more than 58,000 village panchayats in the state. Seeing the importance of the state government’s scheme, the Prime Minister considered it (Banking Correspondence Sakhi Yojana) as a factor of big change in the lives of women.
• Self-Help Groups and Rural Women Entrepreneurs: The Government of Uttar Pradesh has done extensive work for self-help groups and rural women entrepreneurs. Now, the Self Help Groups will buy food items at the local level, will procure it and ensure its supply by manufacturing nutritious food. Social Saheli is an online platform that helps women’s self-help group in Uttar Pradesh.
• Mission Shakti: In order to empower women in UP, the government launched “Mission Shakti” programme in 2020, are setting new examples and becoming partners in the creation of a strong and more equitable society. By increasing the use of health and other services they are ensuring the well-being of their children and families as well as their own.
• Mahila Shakti Kendras: The UP government through its Mahila Shakti Kendras in 75 districts has spread awareness to around 19 lakh women and daughters in the 2020. A total of 37,406 activities were organised and along with this 12.76 lakh women have been linked to various welfare schemes.
• Mahila Samarthya Yojna: Under this financial support is provided to women self help groups that are helping women in rural areas to get self-reliant.
• Svamitva Yojna: Under the central government’s Svamitva Yojna, women of the family are getting properties registered in their names after getting documentation done.
• UP police Mahila Samman Prakoshth (MSP): It is a unit within the police department dedicated to the security, dignity and empowerment of women and children in the state. MSP has been tasked with building a bridge between the police and civil society and to boost public trust in the police regarding women and children issues. All of Mahila Samman Prakoshtha officers are dedicated towards instituting women and child friendly policing in Uttar Pradesh.

Conclusion

Overall, women in Uttar Pradesh are going to write a new script for inclusive, harmonious and rapid development in the state by moving towards self-reliance with security and respect. Many such schemes have been started like Chief Minister’s Mass Marriage Scheme, Sant Ravidas Education Assistance Scheme, Pradhan Mantri Sukanya Samridhi Yojana, Safe City Project, Pradhan Mantri Svanidhi Yojana, Shabari Sankalp Abhiyan, Chief Minister Saksham Suposhan Yojana, Kishori Balika Yojna etc. which are making women empowered and happy.