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Assam's Education Push: How Free Bicycles Aim to Keep Students in School

Assam's Chief Minister has launched a major initiative to distribute free bicycles to students. The program aims to tackle the practical challenge of long travel distances for teens entering secondary school. It's a key part of the government's strategy to keep kids in the classroom and reduce dropout rates. This effort is bundled with other supports like free meals and textbooks to combat poverty-related barriers to education.

Key Points: Assam CM Launches Free Bicycle Scheme for Over 3 Lakh Students

  • Scheme targets over 3 lakh Class IX students in government and provincial schools
  • Aims to increase enrollment and reduce student dropout rates
  • Includes 1.75 lakh female and 1.34 lakh male students from diverse school types
  • Part of broader efforts including free textbooks, uniforms, and college enrollment
2 min read

Assam CM launches bicycle distribution initiative for school students

Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma distributes free bicycles to 3+ lakh Class IX students to boost attendance and reduce dropout rates across government schools.

"If 40 per cent of a society can’t complete their education, there is little possibility that their dreams will be fulfilled. - Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma"

Guwahati, Dec 11

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma launched a bicycle distribution programme under the Chief Minister’s Special Scheme for 3, 10, 031 students of Class IX from government and provincial schools at a programme held in Assam's Dibrugarh district on Thursday.

Of the total number of students, there are 1,34,432 male students and 1,75,608 female students. The scheme also includes tea garden model schools and Adarsha Vidyalayas.

Its main goals are to increase school enrollment, raise regular attendance, and reduce the student dropout rate.

Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Sarma said that though the aims in life of different people are different, they need to study up to a certain level to achieve their goals.

He said that in Assam, 6 per cent of enrolled students leave school four to five years after admission.

“Later, at the VIII standard, another 8 per cent leave their school. As a result, 14 per cent of students drop out between primary school enrollment and Class VIII,” he said.

Sarma added that at the higher secondary level, the dropout rate reaches forty per cent. He said that if 40 per cent of a society can’t complete their education, there is little possibility that their dreams will be fulfilled.

The Chief Minister said that every child carries a hidden talent, adding that only a suitable environment nurtures that talent, and educational institutions can create that environment.

Sarma, moreover, said that the students who leave school at the high school level because of financial hardship lose the chance to utilise their talents.

To address this problem, the government took several initiatives to ensure that no child leaves school because of poverty.

Based on these efforts, the government is providing free textbooks, uniforms, and midday meals.

He said that when a student moves to secondary school, he or she often needs to travel a long distance to attend classes.

“To ease this burden, the government introduced this scheme for providing free bicycles to students of Class IX,” he said.

The Chief Minister said that the government has also made college enrollment free for students.

He added that at the higher secondary level, each girl now receives Rs. 1000 per month through the Nijut Moina scheme.

“At the undergraduate level, Rs 1250, and at the postgraduate level Rs 2500,” he said.

CM Sarma added that the government will soon launch a similar scheme for boys.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Good step, but implementation is key. They must ensure the cycles are of good quality and reach the most needy students in tea garden areas. We've seen schemes fail due to corruption in distribution before.
A
Aryan P
The focus on girls (1.75 lakh) is commendable. Combined with the Nijut Moina scheme, this can be transformative for female education in Assam. Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao in action! 💪
S
Sarah B
As someone who has worked in education NGOs, addressing the 'last mile' connectivity is crucial. A bicycle is a simple, practical solution. Hope other states learn from this.
K
Karthik V
The dropout statistics are alarming. 40% at higher secondary? Free cycles, books, meals, and now college fees – the government is putting money where it's needed. Let's support this.
M
Meera T
A respectful criticism: While the scheme is good, what about maintenance? Tyres puncture, chains break. Will there be a fund or workshop support for repairs? Sustainability matters too.
V
Varun X
Inclusion of tea garden model schools is the real win here. Children of garden workers often get left behind. This can change lives. Jai Assam! 🇮🇳

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