- By Akansha Pandey
- Tue, 30 Sep 2025 05:38 PM (IST)
- Source:Jagran News Network
On the auspicious occasion of Navratri, the Mission Shakti 5.0 campaign, led by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, is elevating the state's commitment to women's safety, respect, and self-reliance. Following a directive from the Department of Women and Child Development, Kanya Pujan (girl worship) programmes are being organised across Uttar Pradesh on the days of Ashtami and Navami, September 30 and October 1.
During the Ashtami celebrations on Tuesday, more than 500,000 girls were respectfully worshipped across the state. In addition, over 1,500 girls were enrolled in the Mukhyamantri Kanya Sumangala Yojana during these events.
Under Mission Shakti 5.0, which began on September 20, the Kanya Pujan of girls has been transformed from a purely religious tradition into a symbol of a social revolution, establishing the birth of a girl child as a celebration in society. Through this initiative, the Yogi government is sending a profound message that daughters are the cornerstone of the family and community. The programmes were held in various districts and attended by Minister for Women's Welfare Baby Rani Maurya, Minister of State Pratibha Shukla, ministers-in-charge, District Magistrates, public representatives, and administrative officials.
Promoting Women-Centric Schemes
The primary objective of these events was to inspire people to view the birth of a girl child as a blessing rather than a burden. Through cultural performances, folk songs, and interactive sessions, girls were encouraged to pursue education, nutrition, health and self-reliance.
Special counters were set up at the venues to complete application forms for the Kanya Sumangala Yojana. This scheme, guided by Chief Minister Yogi, provides financial assistance of Rs 25,000 to girls from birth through higher education. By providing families with detailed information, the government aimed to ensure maximum benefit from the scheme. The events also included a campaign against social evils such as child marriage, educational deprivation, and health neglect, reinforcing the core principles of Mission Shakti.
Leena Johari, Principal Secretary of the Department of Women and Child Development, stated, "Kanya Pujan is not merely a ritual but a message to society that daughters are our strength and our legacy for the future. Mission Shakti is a commitment to making every girl safe and empowered."
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Sandeep Kaur, Director of Women's Welfare, added, "This ceremony will foster a more positive attitude towards girls. Today, we need to understand that every daughter brings with her the promise of a bright future for her family and society. Mission Shakti is igniting this flame of empowerment for daughters across the entire state."