CM says one in five girls dropped out of school before 2017; basic facilities were missing in educational institutions
Under ‘Shiksha Ki Udaan’ initiative, CM distributes study tables and letters of blessings to children at Devi Patan Temple
Nine girls honoured on first day of Navratri; 1.60 crore children now receive educational essentials annually
Balrampur, October 2026 : Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said that no force could prevent the establishment of Ram Rajya if women were provided respect, security and self-reliance. He said the true meaning of worshipping Goddess Bhagwati was to build a society committed to protecting the dignity and safety of every woman.
Before 2017, one in every five girls in Uttar Pradesh reportedly dropped out of school after enrolling, while schools lacked basic facilities such as toilets and drinking water. Today, around 1.60 crore children in the state receive two sets of uniforms, school bags, books, sweaters, shoes and socks every year, the Chief Minister said. He added that girls’ education and women’s economic independence remained key priorities of his government.
The Chief Minister was addressing a programme organised under the Shiksha Ki Udaan initiative at the Devi Patan Temple complex on Sunday, coinciding with the first day of Sharadiya Navratri and International Day of the Girl Child.
He applied tilak to nine girls representing the nine forms of Goddess Durga, draped them in ceremonial scarves and presented them with chocolates. While honouring the girls, he said the worship of feminine power had been an integral part of Indian culture and that Navratri offered an opportunity to strengthen this commitment.
He extended Navratri greetings to the people of the state and called for the grand celebration of Lord Ram’s victory on Vijayadashami.
Investigation Revealed Why Girls Were Dropping Out
Yogi said that after his government assumed office in 2017, he sought to understand why large numbers of girls were leaving school midway through their education.
Initially, the distance between schools and students’ homes was cited as the primary reason. However, a team constituted to investigate the issue found that many schools lacked even basic facilities such as toilets and drinking water.
The government subsequently directed officials to construct separate toilets for boys and girls, ensure access to drinking water and improve the quality of mid-day meals.
At the time, around 60–70 per cent of girls reportedly attended school barefoot, while many children did not even have sweaters to protect themselves during winter. The government then introduced arrangements to provide uniforms, sweaters, shoes, socks, school bags, books and other essential items, he said.
Smart Classrooms and Digital Libraries in Government Schools
The Chief Minister said the government was transforming state-run schools through the Operation Kayakalp initiative. Improvements include better flooring and furniture, smart classrooms and digital libraries.
Children who previously had little or no access to computers are now being introduced to modern education, he added.
Yogi also appreciated the initiative taken by the divisional commissioner and district administration to distribute study tables to children in the aspirational district.
He said the vision of a developed India could be realised only when the benefits of education, healthcare, employment, agriculture and self-reliance reached every section of society without discrimination.
Housing Benefits to Be Registered in Women’s Names
The Chief Minister said financial assistance under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana and Mukhyamantri Awas Yojana would be provided in the name of the female head of the household, with ownership rights also granted to her.
Under the Ujjwala scheme, LPG connections are being issued in women’s names. Women members of families have also received ownership rights in more than one crore Gharaunis—official records of residential property, he said.
The construction of toilets in more than three crore households, according to Yogi, is also an initiative to protect women’s dignity.
He added that approximately 1.10 crore families currently receive an annual pension of Rs 12,000 under schemes for senior citizens, destitute women and persons with disabilities.
From Ahilyabai Holkar to Rani Lakshmibai: Examples of Women’s Strength
Highlighting the contribution of women throughout Indian history, Yogi said figures such as Mata Kaushalya, Janaki, Shabari, Devaki, Yashoda, Draupadi, Maitreyi and Gargi symbolised the strength and capabilities of Indian women.
He recalled that Lokmata Ahilyabai Holkar oversaw the restoration of several temples, including Kashi Vishwanath, Somnath and Kedarnath.
Rani Lakshmibai fought against British rule at the age of 25 and sacrificed her life at 26. Avantibai Lodhi, Uda Devi Pasi and Jhalkari Bai also fought for the country, he said.
Yogi added that women in India received voting rights equal to those of men when the Constitution was framed.
CM Inaugurates Exhibition and Distributes Equipment to Farmers
The Chief Minister inaugurated an exhibition featuring various government departments by cutting a ceremonial ribbon. He visited stalls set up by the departments of agriculture, horticulture and silk development, as well as Parag Milk and the Krishi Vigyan Kendra.
At the large-scale farmers’ fair, he handed over keys to farmers under the Custom Hiring Centre initiative and distributed pesticide-spraying equipment.
Yogi said the National Saryu Canal Project had been completed and that extending its branch canals would accelerate agricultural development. He added that the farmers’ fair would give cultivators an opportunity to learn about new technologies and innovations.
Study Tables, Letters of Blessings and Stationery Kits for Children
Yogi distributed study tables to children from basic education and Kasturba Gandhi schools to encourage them in their studies.
He presented letters of blessings and stationery kits to Heeralal, Archana, Kajal, Prabhu Jaiswal, Nisfa, Ganesh, Chandni, Shalu, Baby, Rudrani, Sania and Sudha.
Students who had participated in national-level competitions were also given tracksuits. The children presented the Chief Minister with a published collection of poems written by them.
Honouring Girls Reflects Sanatan Traditions: Kailash Nath Shukla
Tulsipur MLA Kailash Nath Shukla said the worship of girls during Navratri and the recognition of talented children at the Devi Patan Temple complex reflected the traditions of Sanatan culture.
He said the Chief Minister had encouraged the children and boosted their confidence, expressing gratitude to Yogi on behalf of the region and district.
Those present at the event included Devi Patan Temple head priest Mahant Mithilesh Nath, District Panchayat Chairperson Aarti Tiwari, MLAs Paltu Ram and Ram Pratap Verma, BJP district president Ravi Mishra, Municipal Council chairperson Dhirendra Pratap Singh ‘Dhiru’, former MLA Shailesh Kumar Singh ‘Shailu’, and officials from the district administration and education department.
