Assam Cabinet Approves Bicycle Distribution for Class IX Students
In a significant decision aimed at boosting education in remote areas of Assam, the state government has approved a bicycle distribution scheme for Class IX students. The Assam cabinet, during a meeting held on Tuesday, sanctioned the distribution of bicycles to over 3.23 lakh students as part of a broader initiative to reduce school dropouts and enhance student attendance. The scheme, which will benefit both male and female students, has been allocated a budget of Rs 148.55 crore by the state government.
Minister Mallabaruah Announces Beneficiaries and Financial Sanction
Following the cabinet meeting, Assam cabinet minister Jayanta Mallabaruah addressed the media, shedding light on the number of beneficiaries and the financial backing for the project. “A total of 3,23,640 Class IX students will receive bicycles under this scheme,” Mallabaruah stated, emphasizing the government’s commitment to making education more accessible, particularly in remote areas of the state. The Rs 148.55 crore financial sanction will cover the cost of these bicycles, which are expected to provide a significant boost to students’ mobility and school attendance.
Government Aims to Reduce School Dropout Rates
The primary goal of this initiative is to tackle the issue of school dropouts, particularly in rural and remote areas where students often face difficulties in reaching school due to a lack of proper transportation. The Assam government hopes that by providing bicycles, students will be able to commute to school more easily, thus reducing tardiness and absenteeism. “With this initiative, students in remote areas can reach school on time, leading to fewer dropouts and better access to education,” said Minister Mallabaruah.
Building on the Success of the Previous Year’s Bicycle Scheme
This new initiative builds on the success of a similar scheme launched in October last year by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. Under the CM’s Special Scheme, free bicycles were distributed to 3,69,454 Class IX students from provincialized schools across the state. The scheme, which was backed by Rs 161 crore, saw Chief Minister Sarma personally handing out bicycles to students at a ceremony in Tezpur. The chief minister distributed 12,484 bicycles to students in Sonitpur district alone during the event.
Educational Reforms in Assam: A Commitment to the Future
The distribution of free bicycles is part of the Assam government’s broader efforts to reform the educational sector and ensure that every child, regardless of their background or location, has access to quality education. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has emphasized the government’s commitment to improving the state’s educational landscape, with a focus on infrastructure development, teacher training, and student support services.
The success of previous initiatives like the CM’s Special Scheme for Bicycles and the government’s ongoing efforts to provincialize schools are clear indicators of Assam’s dedication to educational progress. By addressing transportation challenges faced by students in rural and underdeveloped areas, the state is taking a crucial step toward ensuring that no student is left behind in their pursuit of knowledge.
Paving the Way for a Brighter Future
The Assam government’s decision to distribute free bicycles to over 3.23 lakh Class IX students is a groundbreaking move that promises to revolutionize education access in the state. With financial backing of Rs 148.55 crore and a clear focus on reducing dropout rates, this initiative will undoubtedly improve school attendance and make education more accessible to students in remote areas. By removing one of the key barriers to education—transportation—the state government is paving the way for a brighter and more equitable future for Assam’s youth.
The success of this program, along with other educational reforms, demonstrates Assam’s commitment to transforming its educational system and creating a sustainable, supportive environment for its students to thrive.
