Tag: Law And Order In Uttar Pradesh

Women Safety Has Improved Under Yogi’s Watch

‘Women Safety In UP Has Noticeably Improved Under Yogi’s Watch’

By LokMarg

Raveena Nijjar, a 26-year-old employee with a software group in Noida (UP), says the Yogi administration has taken sincere steps to make public spaces safe for women. Her views:

I have experienced incidents of catcalling and harassment in public places in the past, which have unfortunately been common occurrences for many women across India, particularly in Uttar Pradesh. However, since Yogi Adityanath took over as chief minister, there has been a noticeable improvement in safety for women in the state.

The government’s initiatives have been extensive, including increased police patrols, the installation of CCTV cameras at seemingly unsafe places, and the establishment of dedicated women-only police stations and helplines. Besides, there are women helpdesks in all police stations. These measures aim to create a secure environment where women can navigate public spaces without fear.

Working in Noida, I now experience a safer environment, in stark contrast to the years that preceded the Yogi rule. Under Yogi Adityanath’s leadership, there have been tangible efforts to ensure women’s safety. The introduction of women officers and rapid response teams has made a significant difference. It’s reassuring to see these steps being taken to protect women.

While it is true that no place can be entirely free of crime, the current administration has made significant strides in reducing the frequency and intensity of crimes against women. Newspapers now report fewer incidents, and when crimes do occur, swift action is taken to ensure justice. This marks a departure from the past when such incidents were often ignored or mishandled.

ALSO READ: Crackdown on UP Traffic Mafia Laudable. Can Yogiji Sustain It?

The government has also focused on strengthening the legal framework to ensure swift justice for crimes against women. This has created a more robust system where offenders are held accountable, contributing to a decline in crimes against women.

Additionally, community engagement programs have been launched to raise awareness about gender sensitivity and the importance of public safety for everyone. These programs have played a crucial role in changing societal attitudes and making public spaces safer for women.

Despite these advancements, I do acknowledge that continuous effort is needed and there is much scope for improvement. We must maintain this momentum and push for further improvements. Women in Uttar Pradesh are feeling more empowered and safer, but there’s always room for progress. This is applicable to not just a single gender but for all. And I believe that Yogi ji can make this possible.

The state’s commitment to enhancing women’s safety is evident in its ongoing initiatives and policy changes. As Uttar Pradesh continues to develop, the safety and empowerment of women remain a central focus, ensuring that they can participate fully in the state’s growth and progress.

Through sustained efforts and community support, Yogi Adityanath’s leadership has brought about a positive change in Noida, making it a safer place for women.

For more details visit us: https://lokmarg.com/

Life Safer for Women in UP

‘Yogi Didn’t Change Policemen, He Changed Policing’

By LokMarg

Shruti Gupta, an independent Chartered Accountant in Lucknow, says initiatives like emergency response and pink booths have made life safer for women in UP

I am a Chartered Accountant and till about a few years ago, I was working with a private company in Lucknow. Three years ago, I started my own firm, along with my husband (also a CA) and feel good about taking that decision. What caused this transition and gave me the confidence to take the plunge is directly associated with the law and order situation of Uttar Pradesh in general and Lucknow in particular.

When I was an employee, my daily concern was to wrap up work in time and reach home before it was dark. Even though Lucknow is a cultured city, traveling late for a woman alone caused concerns. Since accounts is stream where, several times in a year, workload get heavy, it would be stressful. This affected work and family both.

I always thought it would be better to start one’s own independent business but everyone in the family and friends circles advised against us. For, it would mean dealing with unwanted elements, even paying up extortion money to avoid unpleasant incidents.

However, two years of Adityanath Yogi taking over as Chief Minister and we could see a change in the situation. Crime rates dropped and there was a marked improvement in the law and order, be it organised law-breakers or petty street incidents. I would say that CM Yogi didn’t change the police staff but he changed the policing.

One particular incident on a late evening during lockdown sealed my decision to start my own accounting services setup. On that day, despite the lockdown, an important work warranted our physical presence in the office. By the time our work was wrapped up, it was dark and no scope of finding a public or private vehicle to return home.

ALSO READ: BJP Did Good Work In UP, But Also Polarised Society

We had heard of Yogi Govt initiative of emergency helpline 112 but were apprehensive about it, having seen how state services function in Uttar Pradesh. Yet, I took a chance and called the emergency response line.

Much to my surprise, a polite lady answered the call and patiently took down my details. I was told that help was on its way and the lady sub-inspector, Reena Choudhary, also gave her personal mobile number in case of any emergency. And lo, soon enough a PRV (Police Response Vehicle) van arrived at our office with female cops. I was dropped home with a request to avoid violating Covid curbs in future.

The same year, 24×7 Pink Police Booths, to assist women in distress emerged in the city. Such progressive steps were unimaginable in Uttar Pradesh. I needed no further persuasion to set up my own accounting firm. Having worked in the sector for three years, I could generate a respectable client base and, a few hiccups later, we soon reached a break-even point. From there, it was easy to turn corners and now I am happy to see a stable structure in place.

I sincerely want to thank the new dispensation in Lucknow to give the courage and confidence to a woman to start on her own. As I mentioned earlier, the change was not brought about by transferring of police personnel and placing one’s own people in place, as was the norm in earlier governments, but by changing the policing system. With a vigilant police presence in the city, there is no scope for miscreants. It is heartening to see women in khaki guarding the nook and corner of Lucknow on swift-moving pink scootys.

The stress and silly mistakes that came with it are now a thing of the past. I have a much relaxed work atmosphere and there is peace of mind. Parents and relatives, who were opposed to the idea of launching a business venture in UP, are happy and satisfied now. Discipline flows from the top and this is what we saw in last five years.

As told to Rajat Rai