Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Friday distributed more than 3,000 bicycles to Class 9 girl students under the ‘Vidya Vahini Yojana’, a scheme aimed at improving access to education, increasing school attendance and promoting the empowerment of girls.
The bicycles were distributed during a programme held at the East Vinod Nagar Sports Complex. Addressing the event, Gupta announced that around 1.40 lakh girl students enrolled in Delhi government schools would receive bicycles in a phased manner over the next month.
Speaking to reporters, the Chief Minister said the initiative was intended to support girls’ education, safety and mobility.
“It is a joyous occasion as we celebrate the government’s initiative to provide bicycles to the daughters of Delhi studying in government schools on entering Class 9. Through the Vidya Vahini Yojana, we aim to make their journey to school easier while strengthening their education and confidence. May every daughter of Delhi move forward; the government stands with her,” she said.
In a post on X, Gupta said distributing bicycles to more than 3,000 students under the first phase of the scheme was a matter of satisfaction and encouraged the beneficiaries to pursue their education with dedication and work towards achieving their aspirations.
She said the government was committed to extending the scheme to all eligible Class 9 girl students studying in government schools across the national capital.
According to the Chief Minister, the initiative is expected to ease students’ commute to school, improve attendance, encourage participation in education and sports, reduce transportation expenses for families and boost the confidence of young girls.
The programme was attended by Union Minister of State and Delhi BJP President Harsh Malhotra, Delhi Cabinet Minister Ashish Sood and MLA Ravinder Negi, among other dignitaries.
Earlier this week, the Delhi government constituted the Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) and the Delhi Minorities Commission (DMC) following directions issued by the Chief Minister.
Lata Gupta was appointed Chairperson of the Delhi Commission for Women, while Shyam Bala, Malti Verma, Lata Sodhi, Sanrika Sharma Jha and Renu Bhalla were named members of the panel.
The government also appointed Nirmal Jain as Chairperson of the Delhi Minorities Commission, with Kuldeep Singh and Mohammad Haroon serving as members.
The Chief Minister said the constitution of the two commissions aims to strengthen the protection of women’s rights, promote women’s empowerment and safeguard the welfare and constitutional rights of minority communities.
She added that the Delhi government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is working to advance the principles of good governance, women’s empowerment, social justice and inclusive development by ensuring timely justice and greater protection of the rights of women and minority communities.
(With inputs from ANI)
