CM distributes bicycles to 1,100 schoolgirls

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 is our responsibility,” she said, adding that Navratri is a time not only for worshipping the goddess but also for reaffirming respect for girls.

The Chief Minister said feedback from students had highlighted transport as a major barrier to continuing education. The Government has now decided to provide bicycles to all girls entering Class 9 each year, benefiting about 1.3 lakh students across Delhi. She clarified that the bicycles distributed on Thursday were given to Class 10 students as part of her personal initiative, while the larger scheme will cover Class 9 students annually.

Interacting directly with students, the Chief Minister encouraged them to learn cycling if they did not already know how. “Now you will complete your education on your own strength,” she said.

The event saw emotional scenes as several students received bicycles and spoke about their struggles. Some said they often faced difficulty reaching school due to a lack of reliable transport. Others said the bicycles would help them attend classes regularly and save time.

Alongside the bicycle scheme, the Chief Minister highlighted other initiatives for girls announced in the recent Delhi Budget. She spoke about the Lakhpati Bitiya Yojana, under which financial assistance will be provided to girls at different stages of their education.

According to the Chief Minister, funds will be deposited directly into a beneficiary’s account at key milestones, including birth and during classes 1, 6, 9, and 12, as well as annually during college. By the time a girl graduates, she is expected to receive around Rs 1.25 lakh under the scheme.

Taking a strong stand against criticism, the Chief Minister said it was “shameful” to question initiatives meant for girls.

“Calling such schemes into question reflects a regrettable mindset,” she said, adding that there should be no politics over welfare measures for daughters.

She also announced steps to improve women’s economic independence. The government will issue 1,000 new auto permits to women under a ‘Pink Auto’ scheme. These autos will be driven by women, providing them with employment opportunities.

In another announcement, the Chief Minister said the government will offer free blood tests for all newborns in Delhi to detect 56 genetic disorders. The cost will be fully covered by the government to ensure early diagnosis and treatment.

The Chief Minister also spoke about safety and confidence, urging students to aim high and pursue their goals without fear. She assured them that the government is committed to their progress and well-being. The event ended with students sharing their aspirations. Some spoke about dreams of becoming civil servants, while others said they wanted to support their families through education.