The All India Progressive Women’s Association (AIPWA) Uttar Pradesh submitted memorandum to administration across the state as part of the protest program on 6 August expressing serious concern over the continuous rise in violence against women in the state, citing government data that places Uttar Pradesh shamefully high in crime against women. The organisation noted that incidents of rape, murder, abduction and communal violence against women are reported daily from almost every district. In several cases, perpetrators receive protection instead of punishment.
AIPWA stated that women are being denied justice, with police often refusing to register FIRs in cases of violence, and showing a lack of gender sensitivity towards survivors. The silence of the State Women’s Commission on such cases has raised questions about its role.
The memorandum also highlighted the impact of inflation, debt and unemployment on women, adding that recent government decisions, such as the merger of 5,000 schools, will disproportionately affect girls’ education.
The memorandum listed the following demands:
- Stop ongoing violence and rape against women in Uttar Pradesh. In cases where FIRs are not filed or accused are not arrested, strict action should be taken against the concerned police and administrative officials.
- Withdraw the order for the merger of 5,000 schools, which will deprive rural poor of education and affect girls most severely. Guarantee an affordable, equitable education system and stop privatisation of education.
- Release unconditionally the Dalit and Adivasi youth arrested in connection with the 29 June 2025 Karachhana, Prayagraj incident, and take action against the real culprits.
- Declare all scheme workers (ASHA, Anganwadi, mid-day meal cooks) as state employees, clear pending wages, and set up workplace sexual harassment complaint committees as per Supreme Court guidelines.
- Waive all microfinance loans, strictly implement RBI guidelines, return with interest the money deposited in Sahara Finance and other chit fund companies, revive government-run self-help groups, and guarantee dignified employment for all women.
- Waive old electricity bills of the poor, provide 200 units of free electricity, stop installation of smart meters, curb corruption in the electricity department, halt privatisation and prevent fraudulent meter readings.
- Control inflation, fix cooking gas prices at Rs 500, and guarantee every poor family 50 kg of food grain, oil and other essentials under the public distribution system.
- The silence of the State Women’s Commission on increasing incidents of atrocities against women has raised serious questions. The chairperson should resign, and to ensure independence and autonomy, the Commission should hold regular meetings with women’s organisations and work to ensure justice for women in the state.
