New Delhi: Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta distributed free bicycles to more than 3,000 girl students at CM Shri School in East Vinod Nagar under the Vidya Vahini Scheme. The initiative aims to make school travel easier for girls studying in government schools and encourage them to continue their education.
The Delhi Government plans to distribute around 1.40 lakh bicycles to eligible girl students across the capital over the course of a month. The scheme primarily targets girls studying in Class 9 in Delhi government schools.
The event was attended by Union Minister of State Harsh Malhotra, Delhi Education Minister Ashish Sood, local MLA Ravindra Negi and senior officials from the Education Department.
Over 3,000 Girls Receive Free Bicycles in First Phase
During the distribution programme at CM Shri School, more than 3,000 girl students received bicycles under the Vidya Vahini Scheme.
The initiative aims to reach more than 1.40 lakh girls studying in Class 9 in government schools across Delhi.
The bicycles are expected to:
- Make daily travel to school easier.
- Improve school attendance.
- Encourage girls to continue their education.
- Provide greater opportunities for studies and sports.
- Reduce the transportation burden on families.
- Boost confidence among girl students.
The government has said that the bicycles will be distributed in a phased manner over the next month.
CM Rekha Gupta Calls Bicycles ‘Wings’ for Daughters
Addressing the students, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta described the bicycles as “wings” for daughters, highlighting their role in making education more accessible.
She interacted with the students and asked them whether they were happy to receive the bicycles, to which the girls responded enthusiastically.
Gupta also told the students that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had sent her to understand and address the needs of girls. She said the government was working to reduce the difficulties faced by students and create better opportunities for them.
Every Class 9 Girl to Receive Bicycle Under Scheme
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said the Delhi Government would provide bicycles every year to girls studying in Class 9 in government schools.
She said girls can aspire to become presidents, chief ministers and leaders in different fields. Sharing her own experience, Gupta said she had also studied in a government school.
The Chief Minister emphasised that her government is working continuously to improve the education system and provide better facilities to students.
Delhi Government Plans to Upgrade Old Government Schools
Gupta also spoke about plans to gradually improve the infrastructure of older government schools in Delhi.
The planned improvements include:
- Smart boards in classrooms.
- Computer laboratories.
- Language laboratories.
- Digital libraries.
- Better school infrastructure.
- Upgraded CM Shri Schools.
The Chief Minister claimed that some schools under the previous government lacked basic facilities, including proper toilet blocks. She said the government would focus on improving school infrastructure and creating better educational facilities.
Gupta also cited the example of Olympic weightlifter Mirabai Chanu to encourage students and motivate them to pursue their ambitions in education and sports.
Education Minister Ashish Sood Highlights Focus on Nation Building
Delhi Education Minister Ashish Sood said the government is focused on nation-building through education rather than advertising.
He said the government is also preparing to provide laptops to students as part of its efforts to improve access to technology and digital education.
Sood emphasised that education and women’s empowerment remain among the government’s key priorities.
Harsh Malhotra Praises Vidya Vahini Scheme
Union Minister of State Harsh Malhotra praised the Vidya Vahini Scheme and described it as an important initiative for the future, safety and confidence of girl students.
He said the scheme would help girls travel to school more conveniently and safely while supporting their continued education.
Malhotra also praised Chief Minister Rekha Gupta’s efforts towards addressing the needs of girls and women in Delhi and highlighted other initiatives of the Delhi Government.
Scheme Aims to Reduce School Dropout Rate
According to the Delhi Government, the Vidya Vahini Scheme will cover around 1.40 lakh girl students studying in government schools.
The key objectives of the scheme are to:
- Encourage girls to remain connected with education.
- Improve school attendance.
- Reduce the school dropout rate.
- Make commuting to school easier.
- Promote girls’ safety and confidence.
- Support women’s empowerment through education.
The government believes the initiative will play an important role in promoting quality education and empowering girls across Delhi.
Delhi Government’s Commitment to Girl Students
The Delhi Government has reiterated its commitment to ensuring that the Vidya Vahini Scheme reaches more than 1.40 lakh girls studying in Class 9 in government schools.
The government said the initiative is expected to make school travel more convenient, improve attendance, reduce family expenses and give girls greater confidence to pursue education and participate in sports.
