Archive · 28 Aug 2026
Yogi Highlights Raksha Bandhan’s Artisan Economy, Women’s Empowerment
Raksha Bandhan is a festival when people tie special threads called Rakhis.
Yogi Adityanath said buying Rakhis helps artisans and shopkeepers earn money.
He said about 15 crore Rakhis are being tied across Uttar Pradesh.
He also discussed programs that help girls study, work and stay safe.
The state is extending some girls’ schools through Class 12.
More girls are also being admitted to Sainik Schools.
The government says women’s participation in employment has increased.
Women could ride certain buses for free during the festival period.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said Raksha Bandhan supports local artisans, craftsmen, shopkeepers and markets.
He said around 15 crore Rakhis are being tied across Uttar Pradesh.
Mission Shakti initiatives aim to promote the safety, dignity and self-reliance of girls and women.
The state provides educational supplies to around 1.60 crore children annually, according to Yogi Adityanath.
Women received free travel on state and urban buses from August 27 to 29, with free travel extended to mothers above 60 on state buses.
- Who
- Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, along with girls, women, artisans and other residents of the state.
- What
- Yogi Adityanath addressed a Raksha Bandhan programme and highlighted the festival’s economic role and government women’s empowerment initiatives.
- When
- The programme was reported from Lucknow on August 28; free bus travel was available from August 27 to 29.
- Where
- Lucknow and across Uttar Pradesh.
- Why
- To mark Raksha Bandhan, support local economic activity and discuss measures intended to improve girls’ education, women’s safety and self-reliance.
- Rakhee activity
- Around 15 crore Rakhis are being tied across Uttar Pradesh, according to Yogi Adityanath.
- Annual student support
- Around 1.60 crore children receive two sets of uniforms, bags, books, shoes, socks and sweaters every year.
- Kasturba Gandhi schools
- The government is extending Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas through Class 12, with construction beginning in all 825 development blocks.
- Women’s employment
- Yogi Adityanath said women’s employment participation has risen from around 12% to more than 36%.
- Free festival travel
- Women could travel free on Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation and urban buses on August 27, 28 and 29, with one companion.
- Senior women’s travel
- Free Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation bus travel was extended to every mother above age 60.
- Programme
- Yogi Adityanath attended the ‘Bitiya Aur Behna-UP Ka Gahna’ Snehbandhan programme.