India, March 27 -- Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Thursday distributed bicycles to 1,100 schoolgirls in Shalimar Bagh.

The Chief Minister also announced that around 1.3 lakh girls studying in Class 9 in Government schools will receive free bicycles every year to improve access to education.

The event was held at Sarvodaya Vidyalaya in Pitampura on the occasion of Durga Ashtami. The initiative aims to address commuting challenges faced by schoolgirls, which officials say often affect attendance and, in some cases, lead to dropouts. Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said the scheme is part of a broader effort to support girls' education and make them self-reliant.

"Daughters are like goddesses. Supporting their education ...