By Our Correspondent
Lucknow: The Uttar Pradesh government headed by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is empowering women through the Mission Shakti Abhiyan, promoting their respect, security, and self-reliance. A historic move mandates that all pucca houses built under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G) and Chief Minister Awas Yojana-Gramin (CMAY-G) in rural areas be registered in the name of the female head of the household.
The Yogi government has mandated that, except in unavoidable circumstances, all new houses be approved in the name of the female head. For houses already registered in men’s names, adding the female head’s name will now be mandatory. This policy aims to economically empower women, foster a sense of ownership, and integrate them into mainstream society.
According to the data of the Rural Development Department, currently 40.14% of houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin are registered in the name of the female head, while 51.74% are registered jointly in the name of both husband and wife, totaling 91.87% of houses owned by women.
Similarly, under the CMAY-G, 29.25% of the houses are in the name of the female head, and 37.78% are jointly registered, resulting in total of 67.03% of houses owned by women.
CM Yogi emphasizes that women empowerment must go beyond slogans and be practically implemented. Under the Mission Shakti campaign, several schemes are being carried out to strengthen women socially, economically, and educationally.
The Yogi government is also empowering women economically through various initiatives. Financial assistance is being provided to women self-help groups (SHGs), and women’s participation is being encouraged in the ‘One District, One Product’ (ODOP) scheme.
Additionally, self-employment opportunities are increasing for women through government schemes. The Chief Minister Kanya Sumangala Yojana provides financial assistance for daughters, from birth to education. Moreover, changes have been made in land rights to increase women’s share in property.
The Yogi government has made significant strides in ensuring women’s safety. Under the women’s Helpline number 1090 and Mission Shakti, safety measures have been implemented.
‘Pink Booths’ and Mahila Police Squads have been set up to ensure that women can work without fear. The initiative not only promotes women’s ownership of homes but also aims to provide them with legal rights and a new identity within their families.
Historically, the role of women in rural societies has been limited to household work, but when women own the house, it boosts their decision-making authority. This empowerment increases their social respect, allowing them to make decisions for themselves and their families’ future while becoming financially independent.
The government’s decision is also expected to prevent domestic violence and provide financial security for women.
The Yogi government is actively monitoring the implementation of this scheme, All Chief Development officers have been directed to ensure strict adherence to this policy. Regular reviews will be conducted at the district level to ensure that no errors occur in the allocation process.
To further simplify and make the housing approval process transparent for women, the ‘Awas Soft’ portal now allows the addition of the female head’s name.
Chief Minister’s decision to prioritize women’s ownership of homes is expected to significantly improve the condition of rural women of Uttar Pradesh. This initiative will not only provide women with legal rights over their homes but will also help them become self- reliant and ensure better opportunities for future generations.