LUCKNOW: Uttar Pradesh has witnessed a significant rise in women’s participation in the workforce over the past nine years, with Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath stating that the number of working women in the state has nearly tripled since 2017. He attributed this growth to improved safety, better infrastructure, and focused government initiatives aimed at empowering women. Addressing a gathering at Madan Mohan Malaviya University of Technology, he highlighted that the proportion of working women has increased from around 12 per cent to over 36 per cent. He said this transformation shows growing confidence among women and their families, particularly regarding safety and social support.
During the event, the Chief Minister laid the foundation stone for a 144-bed girls’ hostel, to be constructed under Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funding from Power Grid Corporation of India at a cost of approximately Rs 13.67 crore. The hostel is expected to improve access to education for female students by providing safe and reliable accommodation.
A cyber forensic research lab, built at an estimated cost of Rs 4.67 crore, was also inaugurated, and research excellence awards were presented. These initiatives, he said, are part of a broader effort to strengthen academic infrastructure and promote advanced research in Uttar Pradesh.
The Chief Minister emphasised that the government is working to establish women’s hostels in major cities of Uttar Pradesh. This will encourage more women to pursue higher education and employment opportunities without worrying about accommodation and safety.
Highlighting improvements in law enforcement, UP CM Yogi also noted that Uttar Pradesh now has 12 high-grade forensic laboratories, up from just two before 2017. Six more labs are currently under construction. He mentioned that under the new criminal laws, forensic evidence has been made mandatory in cases involving serious crimes punishable by more than seven years. This step by the government will strengthen conviction rates and ensure justice.
In the field of cybersecurity, the state has made rapid progress. From having only two cyber police stations in 2017, Uttar Pradesh now has one in each of its 75 districts. Additionally, over 1,600 cyber help desks have been set up across police stations to assist citizens in dealing with cybercrime.
The Chief Minister also spoke about Uttar Pradesh’s growing role as a manufacturing and innovation hub. He said that Uttar Pradesh contributes nearly 55 per cent of India’s mobile phone manufacturing. He stressed the need to align youth with modern technology and industry demands. The Uttar Pradesh government is focusing on making young people “market-ready” and “industry-ready” through skill development programs, technical education, and innovation-driven initiatives.
Apart from infrastructure and policy measures, Adityanath emphasised the importance of social change. He stated that eliminating gender bias at the family level is essential for sustained progress. Encouraging families to support daughters in education and careers can significantly accelerate development.
The rise in women’s workforce participation is not just an economic indicator but also a sign of a social transformation. Increased access to education, improved law and order, and supportive policies in Uttar Pradesh have played a key role in enabling women to enter professional spaces. From education to employment, women are increasingly becoming active contributors to the state’s development.
While challenges such as workplace equality, pay gaps, and rural participation still remain, the current trend indicates a positive direction. With continued focus on safety, infrastructure, and empowerment, Uttar Pradesh plans to further increase women’s workforce participation in the coming years.
