India, Oct. 15 -- Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said women's health, education and empowerment were essential to the country's present security and future progress, while outlining improvements in school facilities and girls' education under the state government.

In a post on X, Adityanath described Maa Skandamata, a form of Maa Bhagwati, as the presiding deity of affection, motherly love and nourishment. He said worship of the goddess conveyed the message that a nation's present was secure and its future bright when women were healthy, educated and empowered.

The Chief Minister alleged that before 2017, previous governments had focused on nurturing their political families rather than supporting girls. He said maternal h...