New Delhi, July 31 -- Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Friday launched the Delhi government's 'Vidya Vahini' scheme, distributing free bicycles to more than 3,000 Class IX girl students from government schools at a programme held at the Sports Complex in East Vinod Nagar. The government said nearly 1.4 lakh girl students studying in Delhi government schools will receive free bicycles in a phased rollout.
Interacting with students, Gupta asked them about their studies, aspirations and future goals. The students presented her with handmade paintings, which she appreciated. Calling the initiative a step towards empowering girls through education, Gupta said, "Vidya Vahini is a celebration of our collective commitment to empowering every daughter." She added that the scheme aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of women-led development and a Viksit Bharat. Announcing the wider rollout, the Chief Minister said, "Around 1,40,000 girl students studying in Delhi government schools will receive free bicycles in a phased manner," adding that the scheme would continue in the coming years to ensure safer and more convenient travel to school, improve attendance, reduce dropouts and ease parents' concerns.
Emphasising the symbolic value of the initiative, Gupta said, "A bicycle is not just a means of transport; it is a symbol of freedom, dignity and self-reliance for our daughters." She described education as the strongest foundation for empowerment and urged students to use the bicycles responsibly while following traffic rules. Education Minister Ashish Sood said the scheme reflects the Delhi government's focus on girls' education under the leadership of Chief Minister Rekha Gupta. "The education, safety and empowerment of girls are the Delhi Government's highest priorities," he said.
Sood said many girls face difficulties in continuing their education after Class IX due to the increased distance to schools and transportation challenges. He said the Vidya Vahini scheme aims to remove these barriers and ensure that education is treated as a means of nation-building by addressing the practical needs of students.
Union Minister of State and Delhi BJP President Harsh Malhotra, Patparganj MLA Ravinder Singh Negi, Director of Education and Sports Nitin Jindal, teachers, parents and students were present at the event.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.