The UP government is all set to dedicate the upcoming Navratri festival to women's safety, dignity and empowerment by launching 'Mission Shakti' on the 17th of October. This drive will commence 'Shardiya Navratri' onwards and will continue for the next six months till the 'Chaitra Navratri' in April. A government spokesman mentioned in a statement that various programmes will be organised from the gram panchayats to industrial units, school campuses to government offices, from the Durga Puja pandals to Ramleelas to reaffirm the faith and resolve towards women power.

Empower Women, empower the future

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As many as 23 departments, including basic education, secondary education, higher education, MSME, other government and non-government agencies will be participating in these programmes. Private cab operators too, will be partners in this initiative. Short films, street plays, safety pledge, sensitization about women's laws and a public display of inspirational stories of women will mark the events during this 6-month drive.

The CM of UP also said that Mission Shakti should start with mass awareness programmes during the 'Shardiya Navratri' that celebrates the victory of Goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura, symbolizing the victory of good over evil.
The Chief Minister has directed all the departments to prepare their respective action plans to execute this mission. Additional Chief Secretary (Home) further stated the special awareness drive will aim to boost the morale of women and children and empower them by making them aware of their rights.

The idea behind this move highlights the state government's sensitivity in handling cases related to them while ensuring the strictest action against the culprits. Additional Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police, held a meeting to prepare an outline for the drive. He said that additional DG (Women Power Line-1090), made a presentation on carrying out the drive successfully.

During the span of the venture, the rights and laws related to women and children will be publicized through police stations and other government departments. Posters will also be put up at different schools, colleges, universities and other training centres and at panchayats, where women's involvement is in large numbers in urban as well as rural areas. Workshops too, will be organised to make women and children aware of the security measures to keep them safe and to sensitize them to speak out when they are wronged.

With inputs from IANS