GORAKHPUR, Oct. 2 -- Extending Mahanavami and Vijayadashami greetings to people, chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday said that despite being the most populous state, Uttar Pradesh has emerged as one of the safest states for women and now leads the country in ensuring their safety, dignity, and justice. He added that the state records the lowest crime rate against women in India while also achieving the highest conviction rate. Speaking to the media at Gorakhnath Temple on the auspicious occasion of Mahanavami and Vijayadashami, CM Yogi credited the achievement to sustained government efforts through initiatives like Mission Shakti and welfare schemes for women and girls. The chief minister said that Navami reflects faith in the power and divinity of women, asserting that the world is unimaginable without women's strength. "The state government is running several programmes to ensure women's safety, dignity, and self-reliance," he added. Yogi underlined the cultural and spiritual significance of Navratri, highlighting the worship of the nine forms of Goddess Durga during Shardiya and Vasantik Navratri. On Mahanavami, devotees worship Goddess Siddhidatri, while the traditional Kanya Pujan is regarded as a sacred privilege, he noted. He further emphasised that women have always held a central place in the Sanatan tradition. Referring to the fifth phase of Mission Shakti, launched on September 22, the first day of Shardiya Navratri, CM Yogi said it is being vigorously implemented across the state, down to the panchayat level. The CM added that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's guidance, schemes like Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, Matru Vandana Yojana, Kanya Sumangala, and Samuhik Vivah are ensuring the protection, dignity, and empowerment of girls. The Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam also guarantees women's representation in legislatures across the country. "Indian society, across every era, has upheld reverence and respect for women. Today, the strength of India's women continues to amaze the world with their achievements in every field," he remarked. UP has set a strong example by running several programmes to ensure women's safety, dignity and self-reliance, he added. 1 crore women in Uttar Pradesh are receiving an annual pension of Rs.12,000; 26 lakh girls benefitting from the Kanya Sumangala Yojana, which provides financial support of Rs.25,000 from birth to graduation; financial assistance under the Mass Marriage Scheme has been increased to Rs.1,00,000 per couple, easing burden on poor families....