UP achieves milestone in gender equality with 1,020 women per 1,000 men

Lucknow : Uttar Pradesh, under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has made historic strides in women’s empowerment over the past eight years. The achievement of a gender ratio of 1,020 women per 1,000 men bears testimony to this empowerment.

This progress, driven by sustained government efforts and initiatives like ‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao,’ reflects a shift away from regressive practices like female foeticide and towards equal opportunities.

It is worth mentioning here that under CM Yogi Adityanath’s leadership, the state has prioritized women’s safety, health, education, and self-reliance, fostering a more progressive society.

The Yogi government’s initiatives for the welfare of women and girls are driving substantial social change. One such program, the ‘Kanya Janmotsav’ initiative under the ‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao’ campaign, has set a national example by celebrating the birth of girls and promoting a positive outlook toward them. So far, 3,822 events have been held across the state, celebrating the birth of 35,489 newborn girls.

Launched to curb female foeticide, end child marriage, and promote gender equality, the ‘Kanya Janmotsav’ program encourages families and society to celebrate the birth of a girl child. Fathers, brothers, family members, public representatives, and community leaders actively participate in these celebrations to foster a more inclusive mindset.

To reinforce this change, the program is conducted on the first and third Mondays of every month at district, block, and village levels, ensuring widespread awareness about the importance of girls in society.

The CM has transformed the ‘Kanya Janmotsav’ initiative from just a government scheme into a social movement. To ensure its broad impact, key departments such as Women and Child Development, Health, Education, Panchayati Raj, and local administration have been integrated into the program. The primary goal of this initiative is to challenge patriarchal mindsets and promote gender equality in society.

Notably, ‘Kanya Janmotsav’ is not just an event but an ongoing process of social transformation. The initiative challenges gender discrimination and biases while fostering inclusivity and equality.

Due to the government’s efforts, Uttar Pradesh has seen a rise in the birth rate of girls and a significant positive shift in societal attitudes. The program has created an environment where the birth of a girl is celebrated with joy and pride.

This progress is reflected in the improved gender ratio in the state. Currently, Uttar Pradesh has 1,020 women for every 1,000 men. In urban areas, the ratio stands at 985 women per 1,000 men, while in rural areas, it is even higher at 1,037 women per 1,000 men. This improvement is a result of strict measures against female foeticide and increased awareness about family planning.

Another significant initiative of the Yogi government is Mukhyamantri Kanya Sumangala Yojana, which has benefited over 23 lakh girls so far. Under this scheme, financial assistance is provided from birth to higher education, securing the future of young girls.

According to the Women and Child Development Department, the scheme offers Rs 5,000 at the birth of a girl child, Rs 2,000 upon completion of one year and full immunization, Rs 3,000 each upon admission to Class 1 and Class 6, Rs 5,000 upon admission to Class 9 and Rs 7,000 after passing Class 10 or 12 and enrolling in a graduation or diploma program. In total, each beneficiary receives Rs 5,000 in assistance, ensuring their education and future security.

Due to the government’s focused efforts on maternal and child health, Uttar Pradesh has witnessed a substantial decline in maternal mortality rate (MMR), infant mortality rate (IMR), and neonatal mortality rate (NMR).

Key schemes such as Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana, Janani Suraksha Yojana, Mission Indradhanush, and various health campaigns have played a crucial role in safeguarding the lives of pregnant women and newborns.

Additionally, under the Supplementary Nutrition Program, over 2 lakh beneficiaries from extremely poor and malnourished backgrounds have received essential nutritional support. This initiative has significantly improved the nutritional levels of pregnant women and young children, enhancing their quality of life.

For adolescent girls, the state government has launched special programs in eight aspirational districts, benefiting over 2.1 lakh young girls. These initiatives focus on their overall development, ensuring better health, education, and empowerment.