India, March 25 -- The Delhi government will provide free bicycles to nearly 130,000 girls in Class 9 and above in government schools, chief minister Rekha Gupta announced in Tuesday's budget, as education commanded the largest share with Rs.19,326 crore allocated for 2026-27 - marginally higher than Rs.19,291 crore in 2025-26.

In a significant announcement aimed at improving school retention, Gupta said Rs.90 crore has been allocated for the scheme. "Transportation often becomes a big problem for daughters studying in Delhi's government schools. Sometimes it even leads to dropouts," she explained.

The government will also provide laptops to meritorious Class 10 pass students, with Rs.10 crore earmarked for the scheme.

To be sure, the ...