Lucknow: In line with Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s vision of empowering daughters in Uttar Pradesh, the state has undertaken several initiatives under Mission Shakti, particularly during the Sharadiya Navratri celebrations. These programs are designed to make young girls self-reliant, instill confidence in them, and inspire their active participation in administrative and leadership roles.
During Sharadiya Navratri, symbolic positions such as District Magistrates (DM), Chief Development Officers (CDO), and other key administrative roles were handed over to young girls across various districts in the state. This initiative not only boosted the morale of these young women but also gave them a firsthand experience of leadership and problem-solving in a real-world administrative setting.
Empowering Daughters through Symbolic Roles
To inspire daughters to dream big and foster their leadership potential, Uttar Pradesh’s government arranged for meritorious girls to assume roles such as DM, CDO, SDM, and SP for a day in more than a dozen districts. The initiative aimed to show young women that they too can aspire to hold these prestigious positions.
In districts like Lakhimpur Kheri, Jaunpur, Sitapur, Shravasti, Lalitpur, Jhansi, and others, these symbolic roles were not merely ceremonial. The young girls actively engaged in public hearings, addressed citizen complaints, and gave real-time instructions to officials. This experience allowed them to navigate the intricacies of governance and decision-making.
The program received overwhelming positive responses, with the girls expressing their gratitude towards Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and noting how this initiative boosted their confidence to pursue administrative roles in the future.
Case Studies from Various Districts
Lakhimpur Kheri:
In Lakhimpur Kheri, Agrima Dhawan, an eighth-grade student from a family of freedom fighters, took on the role of DM. She handled public complaints and even instructed officials to control the rising prices of vegetables. Agrima’s experience showed how young girls could take on complex problems and provide swift solutions. Additionally, seven other girls, including Bhavya Singh and Nidhi Gupta, symbolically assumed the role of SDM in various tehsils, handling administrative tasks with maturity and dedication.
Jaunpur:
In Jaunpur, Sajal Gupta, the district’s topper in the Inter examination, took charge as DM for a day. She showcased her leadership skills by hearing 87 complaints and resolving 14 on the spot. Her decisive actions reflected the potential that such initiatives hold in encouraging young women to take up leadership roles in the future.
Mirzapur:
In Mirzapur, student Shivanshi Dwivedi was made DM, and Lakshmi Ratan Maurya was appointed as CDO for the day. The duo ensured that women’s issues were prioritized and addressed effectively. Their engagement showed how the inclusion of women in administrative roles could lead to more empathy-driven governance.
Ghazipur:
In Ghazipur, Priyanka Kushwaha, a high school student, assumed the role of DM. She took an active part in Janta Darshan, listening to public grievances and instructing officials to act on them. This experience exposed young girls like Priyanka to real-world administrative challenges and boosted their confidence to handle such tasks in the future.
Active Engagement in Public Hearings
In addition to holding symbolic positions, the girls were actively involved in public hearings, where they interacted with citizens and solved their problems on the spot. In Maharajganj, Arpita Singh took on the role of DM, while Pratiksha Singh assumed the role of SP. Together, they conducted a public hearing where they resolved citizens’ problems in real time. Similarly, in Sitapur, Arpita Singh (DM) and Pratiksha Singh (SP) led a public hearing and resolved issues that affected the local population.
Shravasti and Lalitpur:
In Shravasti, DM Rashmi Kasaudhan signed off on postal files and addressed the concerns of citizens in the public hearing, while SP Sarita Kumari directed police officers to take immediate action on unresolved cases. Similarly, in Lalitpur, Shivani Rajput acted as DM, resolving 27 public grievances on the spot, showcasing an admirable understanding of governance.
Special Initiatives in Sharadiya Navratri
The Chief Minister’s mission also extended to special programs during Sharadiya Navratri. In Lakhimpur Kheri, 1100 daughters were honored in a Kanya Poojan ceremony, where they received gifts such as hygiene kits and warm clothes. In Gonda, the Shakti Sarathi program was organized, in which 1000 pink-colored e-rickshaws were flagged off. These rickshaws will be operated by women, ensuring both economic empowerment and safety for female drivers in the district.
These initiatives emphasized that empowering daughters requires more than symbolic gestures; it needs substantial action. By giving women tools for economic independence, leadership roles, and direct experience in administrative settings, the state government is paving the way for more women to take on key roles in the future.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s continuous efforts to increase confidence in daughters through initiatives like Mission Shakti are creating a significant impact. By symbolically making young girls DMs, CDOs, and SPs, the state government has provided them with real-world exposure to leadership and governance. This experience, combined with the special initiatives during Sharadiya Navratri, has inspired daughters across the state to dream big and work towards contributing to society.
These programs are a part of a broader strategy to empower women, make them self-reliant, and involve them in the state’s governance process. As these young girls return to their schools and communities, they bring with them a renewed sense of confidence and determination, knowing that they too can become the leaders of tomorrow. The initiative is not just about increasing the confidence of daughters but about transforming societal perspectives on the role of women in leadership.
