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News18
5 days ago
- News18
Shakti Booths, Women Officers On Route As Kanwar Yatra 2025 Witnesses Huge Influx Of Female Devotees
To offer real-time assistance, the administration has established over 150 dedicated women's help desks, manned by female constables trained in crowd support and crisis response. This time, every year, Saffron-clad men carrying Kanwars filled with Ganga jal (water) march along the roads, some in spirited groups, others on bicycles, and many dancing beside blaring DJ vans. However, the picture is set to change. Once a male-dominated pilgrimage, Kanwar Yatra 2025 is now witnessing an unprecedented influx of women devotees. To ensure the safety of the overwhelming number of women Shiv devotees, the Uttar Pradesh Government has rolled out a comprehensive women-centric security plan aimed at creating a safe, secure, and women-friendly environment along the Yatra route. For the first time, the state government has deployed over 10,000 women police personnel across the 700-km-long Yatra route. This includes 8,541 head constables and 1,486 sub-inspectors, making up nearly 15 per cent of the total force on duty. These women officers are stationed across major pilgrimage hubs and at all sensitive checkpoints, particularly in high-footfall zones. 'Make foolproof arrangements for the safety and convenience of women Kanwariyas," CM Yogi instructed during a recent high-level review meeting. Help Desks, Shakti Booths, and 24×7 Control Rooms To offer real-time assistance, the administration has established over 150 dedicated women's help desks, manned by female constables trained in crowd support and crisis response. In collaboration with voluntary women's organisations, 'Shakti Help Booths' have also been set up across districts to provide counselling, safety information, and basic medical aid to women pilgrims. Senior officials confirmed that female officers are now part of all Quick Response Teams (QRTs), including night patrols, ensuring timely intervention and emergency support. They are also stationed in 24×7 control rooms across 11 administrative zones created for the Yatra. Among the zones, Meerut – which sees the highest Kanwar footfall – has received the largest deployment, with 3,200 women police personnel posted in Meerut, Muzaffarnagar, Baghpat, Hapur, and Ghaziabad. Here, women officers are not only handling security duties but also assisting with crowd navigation and communication support at camps and rest points. Technological Surveillance and Spiritual Vibes UP Government's security model also includes CCTV and drone surveillance, enhanced social media monitoring, and continuous updates from field units. CM Yogi has also instructed the use of public address systems to play Shiv bhajans and pass along key safety messages to keep the devotional environment intact and communication flowing. 'This is not just a spiritual event; it's a matter of state responsibility and coordination," a senior official from the Home Department said. Medical Infrastructure and Food Safety To deal with the physical demands of the journey, medical camps, ambulances, first aid centres, and mobile health teams have been stationed along the route. The Food Safety and Drug Administration (FSDA) has been instructed to carry out random checks at stalls and community kitchens to ensure food quality and hygiene standards. CM Yogi has also proposed helicopter flower showers at major congregation points to symbolically welcome the pilgrims and elevate the spiritual mood. Women Pilgrims Lead the Change From mothers carrying children to first-timers walking in faith, women are fast becoming the heart of this sacred pilgrimage. Many come as part of family groups, while others walk solo or in female-only teams. 'Earlier, I used to hesitate. But this year, seeing so many women and security around, I feel safe," said Pooja, a 29-year-old Kanwariya from Ghaziabad. 'This is the first time I've seen the system walk beside us," added Sonia, a Delhi-based Kanwariya on her 12th pilgrimage. CM's Final Word: Devotion with Discipline In his concluding message, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath appealed to all devotees to maintain decorum, discipline, and devotion, and to cooperate with authorities for the success of the Yatra. He reiterated the government's commitment to ensure that every devotee — especially mothers, sisters, and daughters — experiences a safe and spiritually fulfilling pilgrimage. Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from politics to crime and society. Stay informed with the latest India news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! view comments First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Time of India
16-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
UP Government purchasing maize from farmers at MSP for first time in history
For the first time in the Rabi crop season, the government is purchasing maize directly from the farmers at the MSP (Image credit: ANI) The Uttar Pradesh government, led by CM Yogi Adityanath , is constantly striving to improve the prosperity of farmers. For the first time in the Rabi crop season, the government is purchasing maize directly from the farmers at the Minimum Support Price (MSP). This purchase started from June 15 and will continue till July 31. Purchase will occur at the centres from 9 am to 6 pm. Under the marketing year 2024-25, maize will be purchased from farmers at Rs 2225 per quintal. It is worth noting that chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, who recently reached Auraiya, inquired about the farmers' maize cultivation and assured them that the government would regularly pave the way for their progress and prosperity. The UP Government is purchasing maize in the following districts: Badaun, Bulandshahr, Aligarh, Etah, Kasganj, Firozabad, Hathras, Mainpuri, Hardoi, Unnao, Kanpur Nagar, Auraiya, Kannauj, Etawah, Farrukhabad, Bahraich, Ballia, Gonda, Sambhal, Rampur, Ayodhya and Mirzapur. For the sale of maize, farmers must register on or the mobile app UP KISAN MITRA. Maize will be purchased only from registered farmers. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo This will also benefit them from MSP. Farmers should register with the mobile number they are using, so that they can complete the registration process by filling in the OTP received. The farmer's bank account should be linked to Aadhaar. The bank must be mapped and activated on the NPCI (National Payments Corporation of India) portal. Arrangement to make payment of maize directly to the Aadhaar-linked bank account of farmers through PFMS (Public Finance Management System) Farmers can also contact the toll-free number- 18001800150 or the District Food Marketing Officer of the concerned district, the Regional Marketing Officer of the Tehsil or the Marketing Inspector of the block for any help/solution to the problem. Earlier on Sunday, the Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath handed over appointment letters to 60,244 newly selected police constables, calling it a major step towards strengthening the state's security system. During the ceremony, the chief minister stressed the importance of rigorous training for the police force. "The more sweat you shed in training, the less blood you will shed in life," he said.
