Lucknow, Feb 26 (IANS): The Yogi Adityanath government in Uttar Pradesh will launch a special Covid-19 vaccination drive for women above the age of 60 years on the occasion of International Women's Day on March 8.

This was announced by additional chief secretary (ACS) home, Avanish Kumar Awasthi on Friday during a high-level meeting with of UP Women's Commission chairperson Vimala Batham.

The official, during the meeting with Women's Commission chairperson, discussed measures to provide a safer environment to women, strengthening the peace, effectively curbing crime and providing cent percent benefit of government-run schemes under the state government's Mission Shakti campaign.

Awasthi said, "As per directives from chief minister Yogi Adityanath, effective action should be taken to make women economically independent so that the benefits of government-run schemes can be made available to women on priority."

He also directed the officers to pay special attention to the programmes run under the Mission Shakti campaign.

ACS Home also announced that the state government will facilitate women entrepreneurs on March 10 in Lucknow.

"The invitees will be honoured, and the participants will be informed about the efforts and success made by women entrepreneurs. Efforts will also be made to motivate women working in various institutions of Lucknow district in the programme," he said.

UP Women's Commission chairperson Vimla Batham said a work-plan would be prepared by the commission for the empowerment of women through Mission Shakti.

"The commission has decided to launch awareness campaigns in the 28 districts in the first phase on March 3 to enlighten women about the various schemes launched by the state government," she said.