Mission Shakti UP — How to Apply, Eligibility & Benefits

Mission Shakti is a comprehensive women safety and empowerment initiative launched by the Uttar Pradesh government. The programme focuses on making women and girls safer through awareness campaigns, self-defence training, anti-trafficking measures, legal aid and economic empowerment. It operates under the Women Welfare Department (Mahila Kalyan Vibhag) and has reached millions of women across UP's 75 districts.

What is Mission Shakti UP?

Mission Shakti UP is an umbrella initiative with two broad components — Sambal (protection and safety) and Samarthya (empowerment). Under Sambal, the focus is on preventing crimes against women, providing helplines and legal aid. Under Samarthya, the scheme empowers women through skill training, financial support and self-help groups.

Note: UP's Mission Shakti is the state-level implementation that works alongside the central Mission Shakti scheme of the Ministry of Women and Child Development.

Key Components

Sambal (Protection)

• Women Helpline 181: 24x7 emergency helpline for women in distress
• Anti-Romeo Squads: Teams deployed near educational institutions
• One Stop Centres (Sakhi Centres): Shelter, legal aid, medical help and counselling for women facing violence
• Women Power Line 1090: Toll-free complaint line for harassment
• Anti-trafficking units across districts
• Self-defence training (Rani Lakshmibai Self Defence Training) for girls in schools and colleges

Samarthya (Empowerment)

• Self-Help Groups (SHGs): Formation and strengthening of women SHGs
• Skill development training in various trades
• Micro-credit and livelihood support through SHG bank linkage
• Awareness campaigns on legal rights, nutrition and health
• Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana implementation — ₹5,000 to pregnant women

Who Can Benefit?

• All women and girls residing in Uttar Pradesh
• Victims of domestic violence, harassment or trafficking — immediate assistance through helplines and One Stop Centres
• Women seeking self-employment — through SHGs and skill training
• Pregnant and lactating women — through nutrition and maternity support programmes
• School and college girls — through self-defence training and safety awareness
• No specific income or caste restriction for safety services

Services Available

How to Access Mission Shakti Services

For Emergency Help

1. Call 181 (Women Helpline) for immediate assistance — available 24x7
2. Call 112 (UP Emergency) for police assistance
3. Call 1090 to report harassment or stalking
4. Visit the nearest One Stop Centre for shelter, counselling and legal aid

For Self-Defence Training

1. Schools and colleges enrolled under Mission Shakti automatically offer the programme
2. Students participate in self-defence workshops conducted by trained instructors
3. Training covers basic martial arts, awareness and safety strategies

For SHG and Livelihood Support

1. Contact your Block Development Officer or ICDS supervisor
2. Express interest in joining or forming a women's Self Help Group
3. Groups are formed with 10–12 women and registered with NRLM/UP Mission Shakti
4. Receive training in group management, savings and livelihood activities
5. Access bank credit through SHG bank linkage at subsidised interest rates

Filing a Complaint Online

1. Visit the UP 1090 portal or Mission Shakti website
2. Register your complaint with details of the incident
3. Track the complaint status using your reference number
4. District teams investigate and take action as per law

Documents Required (for Welfare Schemes)

• Aadhaar card
• Ration card or income certificate (for financial assistance)
• Address proof (residence in UP)
• Passport-size photograph
• Bank account details (Aadhaar-linked for DBT)
• Marriage certificate (for married women-specific schemes)
• Medical certificates (for maternity benefits)

Important Tips

1. Save 181 and 1090 on speed dial — these helplines provide immediate response across UP
2. One Stop Centres exist in every district — they provide free shelter, legal aid, medical help and counselling under one roof
3. SHG membership opens doors to bank loans, government training and market access — actively participate
4. Report dowry harassment without fear — Mission Shakti anti-dowry cells operate in every district
5. Encourage girls in your community to attend self-defence training sessions at schools

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Mission Shakti UP a central or state scheme?

Mission Shakti has both central and state components. The central Mission Shakti is run by the Ministry of WCD with Sambal and Samarthya verticals. UP implements it at the state level with additional state-funded initiatives for women's safety.

Who can call the 181 Women Helpline?

Any woman in UP facing violence, harassment, domestic abuse or any distress situation. The helpline is free, confidential and available 24 hours, 7 days a week.

How do I join a Self Help Group under Mission Shakti?

Contact your nearest Anganwadi centre, Block Development Office or the Women Welfare Officer. You can form a new SHG with 10–12 women from your area or join an existing one.

Is there any financial assistance under Mission Shakti?

Direct cash transfers include maternity benefits under PMMVY (₹5,000–₹6,000). SHGs provide access to micro-credit. Some skill training programmes also include a stipend.

Can men file complaints through Mission Shakti helplines?

The 181 and 1090 helplines are specifically for women's safety issues. However, anyone can report a crime against women. For general emergencies, call 112.

Is self-defence training available for women outside schools?

The formal programme operates through educational institutions. However, some district-level Mission Shakti events and workshops are open to community women. Check with your district Women Welfare Office.

This guide is for informational purposes only and is not affiliated with any government body. Visit missionshakti.up.gov.in for official details.