Under attack for spurt in crime against women in Uttar Pradesh, the state government on Monsay said it will launch a special one-month-long drive on July 1 to check atrocities against women.

The decision was taken at a high-level meeting convened by chief minister Mayawati to review law and order situation and developmental works in the state, an official spokesman here said.

Stern action will be taken against the offenders, he said.

Aiming at improving law and order situation and give momentum to development works, the chief minister has divided the state into three zones.

Senior officials will be appointed in these zones to look after development and law and order and it will be mandatory for them to spend at least six days in their respective zones, the spokesman said.