- “Nav Deviyon Ki Shakti” focuses on dignity, safety, health and self-reliance of girls
- DM Baghpat’s unique initiative turns CM Yogi’s vision into reality
- First-of-its-kind partnership between administration and khap panchayats
Lucknow: Baghpat has emerged as a new role model for women empowerment with the launch of nine innovative schemes under the theme “Nav Deviyon Ki Shakti”. Designed in line with the vision of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, this model focuses on the dignity, safety, health and self-reliance of girls. What makes it truly distinctive is the unprecedented collaboration between the district administration and khap panchayats, initiated under the leadership of District Magistrate Asmita Lal. The objective is not merely to protect daughters, but to ensure equal opportunities, social acceptance and lasting empowerment.
A Shift in Social Mindset
In Baghpat, the perception of daughters is undergoing a meaningful transformation. From silent corners of homes to nameplates proudly displaying their names, the message is clear—“A daughter is not a burden, she is the pride of the family.” This change has not occurred overnight, but through the adoption of the nine guiding principles of Nav Deviyon Ki Shakti, which are now being seen as a replicable model for Uttar Pradesh.
The Nine Pillars of “Nav Deviyon Ki Shakti”
1. NIRA Campaign: Health and Environment Together
Under the NIRA initiative, girls and women are being provided free reusable cotton sanitary pads that last up to two-and-a-half years and are fully recyclable. This ensures better menstrual health while significantly reducing plastic waste and promoting environmental conservation.
2. “Beti Ka Naam, Ghar Ki Shaan” Campaign
Nameplates bearing daughters’ names are being installed outside homes, involving village heads, officials, media and citizens. The campaign challenges patriarchal mindsets and reinforces the idea that daughters define a family’s identity and honor.
3. “Meri Beti, Meri Kuldeepak”
For the first time in Uttar Pradesh, families with one or two daughters are being honored. Gifts and recognition send a strong message that with values and opportunities, daughters illuminate society.
4. Launch of ‘Kanya Janmotsav’
On the birth of a girl child, families receive a birth certificate, baby kit, moringa sapling and a baby swaddle. Newborn girls are also immediately enrolled in schemes like the Mukhyamantri Kanya Sumangala Yojana at the hospital itself, reducing bureaucratic hurdles for families.
5. Weaver Women: Self-Reliance through Skills
Women weavers are being connected to government schemes to promote economic independence. Traditional skills are gaining new markets, generating large-scale employment and strengthening women’s financial identities.
6. ‘SAANS’ Campaign: Protecting Newborn Lives
Special training is being imparted to health workers under the SAANS initiative, leading to improved neonatal care and a significant reduction in infant mortality rates.
7. Respect and Safety at the Workplace
Workshops are being conducted to prevent sexual harassment at workplaces. Additionally, ‘Aanchal’ breastfeeding rooms have been set up at public places, beginning with the Baraut bus depot, ensuring dignity and convenience for working and student mothers.
8. ‘Kishori Ka Pitara’
This initiative addresses sensitive adolescent issues. Girls can anonymously write their questions and drop them into a box, after which trained counsellors provide scientific and sensitive responses, fostering awareness and confidence.
9. Social Reform with Khap Panchayats
Under Mission Shakti 5.0, khap panchayats have united against dowry, honor killings and female foeticide. Strict enforcement of law has led to suspension of licenses of several ultrasound centers and seizure of illegally operated machines, ensuring zero tolerance toward regressive practices.
Official Statement
“The Baghpat Model aims not just at protection, but at providing daughters with equal opportunities, social acceptance and self-reliance. The nine principles of ‘Nav Deviyon Ki Shakti’ integrate health, safety, education, economic empowerment and dignity. With the partnership of administration and society—especially khap panchayats—this initiative is becoming a strong social movement. Our commitment is to ensure that every daughter receives respect, security, identity and opportunity at all levels,”
said Asmita Lal, District Magistrate, Baghpat.
With this holistic and inclusive approach, Baghpat is fast becoming a symbol of progressive change and a blueprint for women empowerment across the state.
