📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Original: Sachinghai09
Derivative work: Radomian
Sarkari Yojana
Uttar Pradesh Shifts Focus from Women Empowerment to Financial Empowerment
✍️ indiatoday.in
🗓 15 Sep 2026, 02:02 PM
👁 9
The Uttar Pradesh government announced a strategic shift from its 'Nari Shakti' women's empowerment initiatives to a new 'Arth Shakti' program aimed at boosting financial empowerment across the state.
On Thursday, the Uttar Pradesh government unveiled a new policy direction, moving away from its long-running 'Nari Shakti' initiatives that focused on women's empowerment. The announcement, made by the state’s chief minister, signals a pivot toward a broader economic empowerment agenda.
The 'Nari Shakti' program, launched several years ago, had aimed to enhance women’s participation in the workforce, provide skill training, and improve access to credit. It was credited with increasing female employment rates in rural districts and supporting grassroots entrepreneurship.
Under the new 'Arth Shakti' framework, the state plans to expand financial literacy, streamline access to micro‑finance, and introduce digital payment solutions for women and small businesses. The scheme also intends to create a network of financial advisors to guide beneficiaries in managing savings and investments.
Officials said the transition reflects a belief that economic empowerment will create a more sustainable impact on gender equality. The government will roll out the program in phases, starting with pilot districts next month.
The 'Nari Shakti' program, launched several years ago, had aimed to enhance women’s participation in the workforce, provide skill training, and improve access to credit. It was credited with increasing female employment rates in rural districts and supporting grassroots entrepreneurship.
Under the new 'Arth Shakti' framework, the state plans to expand financial literacy, streamline access to micro‑finance, and introduce digital payment solutions for women and small businesses. The scheme also intends to create a network of financial advisors to guide beneficiaries in managing savings and investments.
Officials said the transition reflects a belief that economic empowerment will create a more sustainable impact on gender equality. The government will roll out the program in phases, starting with pilot districts next month.