In a bid to curtail the cases of violence against women, the government of Uttar Pradesh had initiated 'Mission Shakti' in October 2020. The recent announcements suggest that the government is now all set to implement a list of measures focused on assuring women's development, eradicating adolescent marriages & safeguarding children and their rights. Initially proposed to be functional from October 2020 to April 2021, Mission Shakti will witness the second phase of execution soon.

Multiple projects for consolidating women's development in the state

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On March 1, two different wings of the state machinery will conduct programs for spreading awareness and consolidating women's development. As a part of this, the women's welfare department will hold a session aimed at eliminating the vice of child marriages and promoting women empowerment. In addition to this, the Child Development and Nutrition Department will start a project for securing children and their rights.

Uttar Pradesh has seen a number of initiatives across many of its cities under 'Mission Shakti'. While Jaunpur district authorities conducted an awareness drive on Central Bank of India's Cent Kalyani scheme for polytechnic students, a sports event was organised in a girls school of Mirzapur. In addition to this, college students in Lakhimpur Kheri were acquainted with the various issues related to safety ranging from domestic violence and crime against children to right and wrong touch, POCSO Act and helpline numbers.

According to records, awareness drives in Badaun and Rampur have benefitted 65,000 and 5,000 individuals respectively. Additionally, 88 women in Mau working in the cultivation of cash crops, vegetable farming, kitchen gardening, value addition and food processing received supplemental training under one scheme of 'Mission Shakti'. Also, deliberations on the issue of women's protection were witnessed in Muzaffarnagar.

UP supports deprived children through funding & foster care programs

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The state administration is also supporting deprived children through funding and foster care programs. According to the statements given by a government representative, 271 kids found a new house in adoption homes during 2019-20 and 6,800 others, who had lost connection with their families, received new shelters. In 2020, 961 down-trodden kids were sheltered in adoption homes while the authorities were successful in sending 2,822 children back to their families.

Women and child development play a pivotal role in the progress of society. Hence, it is pertinent for the governing authorities to implement innovative schemes and projects that can accelerate women empowerment and child development.