As the season of festivals is approaching, the Uttar Pradesh Police on directions of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday announced it will carry out a special campaign on the safety of women and girls during the Navratri festival that will begin from October 17.
Additional Chief Secretary Home, Awinish Awasthi held a meeting with top officials on the preparations for Durga Puja and Navratri. During the meeting he directed the officials concerned to ensure the safety of women and to follow the Covid-19 guidelines during festival season.
Awasthi said that a campaign for the empowerment of women will be organised from October 17 to October 25 in the State. The awareness campaign will aim to strengthen the safety of the women and children, he said.
He said under the directions of the Chief Minister a special police team will be deployed for the safety of women. Orders have also been issued to the officials in this regard.
Awasthi has directed the Anti-Romeo Squad to remain active at crowded and sensitive places. “The mere presence of police helps in controlling crimes,” he said.
The DGP added that directions have been issued to all the police stations to put up posters of the campaign at various schools and colleges, and also hold programmes making people aware about this campaign.
While giving instructions to make the patrolling system more effective, he said that foot patrolling should be done continuously. The police department with the help of other agencies would also run campaigns for the security of females and children.
“UP has a policy of zero-tolerance against crimes and due to continuous action by the State Government, there has been a significant reduction in crimes against girls/women,” said the DGP.
He has also directed the police to take prompt action in cases involving women and girls and deal with such matters sensitively. Officials have also been instructed that strict action will be taken against them if they do not pay attention to such matters.