A day after completing four glorious years under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the Uttar Pradesh government on Saturday announced to establish three PAC women battalions named after female warriors.
While addressing a gathering at an event organised on the death anniversary of one of the grittiest women in Indian history, Rani Avantibai Lodhi, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said that three Provincial Armed Constabulary women battalions will be established after women warriors -- Rani Avantibai Lodhi, Uda Devi and Jhalkaribai -- who sacrificed themselves in India's freedom struggle.
"Avantibai Women Battalion, Uda Devi Women Battalion and Jhalkaribai Women Battalion will be set up in Budaun, Lucknow and Gorakhpur, respectively. All the formalities for setting up these battalions have been completed," the chief minister said on Saturday.
Stating that Bundelkhand played a vital role in the freedom struggle to eliminate British rule, Yogi said that Rani Laxmibai in Jhansi and Rani Avantibai Lodhi in Ramgarh were leading this movement.
"When the kings of different regions were supporting the Britishers to protect their reign and their throne, these female warriors remained firm on their stand against the Britishers. They fought fiercely to protect the country till their last breath," he said.
It may be mentioned here that in the 'Sankalp Patra' of the Yogi government, it was mentioned that three PAC women battalions would be set up for the protection of women.
Taking inspiration from these warriors, the Uttar Pradesh government has started the women empowerment campaign Mission Shakti for the safety and security of women.
The chief minister said, "Under this campaign, it is mandatory to appoint 20 per cent women in UP's police force so that every woman feels safe and protected."