Bhopal: In a significant move to support students from rural areas, the Madhya Pradesh government will distribute free bicycles to over 15 lakh schoolchildren on July 10, Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav announced on social media. The initiative, spearheaded by the School Education Department, is aimed at easing the commute for students in remote areas, particularly those enrolled in Classes 6 and 9.
Sharing the update via social media platform X (formerly Twitter), CM Yadav posted a campaign poster that read: “The path of education will be easy with a cycle. Free cycles will be given to students entering Class 6 and 9. More than 15 lakh students will get new energy, new speed – Madhya Pradesh moving towards equality and convenience.”
About the Scheme
The Free Cycle Distribution Scheme benefits students studying in government schools in villages where no middle or high school exists. Students who need to travel to neighboring villages to pursue further studies are eligible.
- The scheme applies only once when students take admission in Class 6 or Class 9.
- If a student fails or repeats these classes, they are not eligible for another bicycle.
This initiative primarily benefits students from hamlets or areas located 2 km or more from the nearest school.
Special Provisions for Girl Students
Girl students residing in hostels whose schools are more than 2 km away will also receive bicycles—though these will be assigned to the hostel, not to individual students. The bicycles can be used during their stay, and must be returned upon leaving the hostel.
How Students Will Receive the Bicycles
The process is streamlined through the state’s education portal:
- Verification: School principals or head teachers will verify eligible students using the portal.
- Distribution: Bicycles will be distributed via the development block office.
Mode of Benefit:
- Either ₹2,400 will be transferred to the bank account of students or parents
- Or students will receive a voucher code to purchase the bicycle from a designated vendor.
How to Check Your Name
- School principals must log in to the Education Portal using their unique ID and password.
- Navigate to the Free Bicycle section from the main menu.
- Select the applicable class (6 or 9) and academic year.
The system will generate a list of all eligible students.
Additional Welfare Announcements
Earlier this year, the state government also announced a hike in the Ladli Behna Yojana benefit. Starting after Diwali, women beneficiaries will receive ₹1,500 per month, up from the current ₹1,250. An extra ₹250 will be credited on Raksha Bandhan as a festive bonus.
Laptops to be Distributed from Next Session
In another major education-focused announcement, the government revealed plans to distribute laptops directly to eligible students beginning next academic session. Until now, only cash support was offered for laptop purchases.
