Rule of law & the rise of women power in Uttar Pradesh

By-: Prashant Kumar

There was a time when the phrase "law and order in Uttar Pradesh" evoked unease rather than assurance. Policing was often reactive, deterrence uneven, and for many-especially women-public spaces carried an unspoken caution. Over the past nine years, however, this landscape has undergone a structural reset.

The change is not merely statistical; it reflects a deeper shift in governance capacity, administrative intent, and public confidence. At the core of this transformation lies a clear principle: law and order is not an abstract administrative goal but the foundation of credible governance. In Uttar Pradesh, this principle has been implemented with clarity under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, anchored in a zero-tolerance approach to crime.




A major shift has been the dismantling of organised crime networks that once operated with relative impunity. Through strict use of laws such as the Gangster Act and the NSA, along with aggressive asset seizure, the state has not only disrupted criminal enterprises but altered the cost-benefit calculus of crime.

Properties worth hundreds of crores linked to criminal syndicates have been attached or demolished, sending a clear message that illegality will not pay However, the true test of law and order lies in how safe the most vulnerable feel. In this context, women's safety is the most credible benchmark.

Recognising this, the state launched Mission Shakti, a comprehensive initiative focused on women's safety, dignity, and self-reliance. It brings together nearly 15 departments, making it a coordinated governance intervention rather than a standalone policing effort.

A key step under Mission Shakti Phase V was taken in September 2025, when dedicated Mission Shakti Kendras were established in every police station. Staffed by trained personnel, these centres are designed to address women's concerns with sensitivity Their role goes beyond complaint registration they act as a single point of support, offering legal aid, counselling, and institutional assistance from the first report to the conclusion of legal proceedings.

The early results of this intervention are significant. Comparing the three months before the Kendras became operational (June 16 to September 15, 2025) with the three months after (September 16 to December 15, 2025), key crime indicators show a notable decline. Cases of rape fell by 33.92%, abduction of women and children by 17.03%, dowry deaths by 12.96%, and domestic violence by 9.54%. These figures underline the impact of structural reforms.

Another important dimension is the rise in women's representation in the police force. From 13,842 women personnel in 2017, the number has increased to 44,426 in 2026-an addition of over 30,500. This has strengthened both operational capability and public confidence. Combined with measures like Anti-Romeo squads, it has improved safety perceptions across urban and rural areas.

Beyond policy and policing, the most visible change is social. In districts once considered sensitive, young women are now commuting independently pursuing education, running enterprises, and participating in local governance. The shift is not just about safety, but about confidence and opportunity

(Writer is former DGP of UP)