In a major push to curb student dropout rates, the Government of Assam has launched a statewide scheme to distribute bicycles to more than three lakh Class IX students studying in Government and provincialized schools.
Under the programme, bicycles have been provided to 3,10,031 students across the State, including those enrolled in tea garden model schools and Adarsha Vidyalayas. Of the total beneficiaries, 1,34,432 are boys while 1,75,608 are girls, reflecting the Government’s focus on retaining adolescent girls in the education system at a critical stage.
Speaking at the High School Playground in Dibrugarh, the Chief Minister outlined the rationale behind the programme, highlighting transportation barriers as a critical factor in student attrition.
“Our assessment shows that nearly 6% of students drop out after five years of schooling, mainly due to transportation challenges. This cycle distribution initiative is designed to reduce this dropout rate by ensuring faster and more reliable access to educational institutions, especially in rural and interior regions,” he said.
The Chief Minister added that direct correlation between improved mobility and educational outcomes, “Better transportation means better attendance, higher enrolment, and reduced dropout levels.”
The Chief Minister also announced a comprehensive package of academic support measures aimed at strengthening Assam’s education system. Students preparing for the Class X board examination will now receive Rs 300 per month to support their studies, providing crucial financial assistance during a critical academic phase.
“The Government has also committed to covering admission expenses ranging from ₹10,000 to ₹12,000 for students who successfully clear the HSLC (Class 10) examination and choose to pursue higher education. This measure is expected to ease the financial burden on families and encourage continued academic engagement beyond secondary school,” he informed.
Addressing gender inclusivity in educational support, the Chief Minister highlighted the ongoing Nijut Moina initiative for girl students while announcing a significant expansion, “Responding to growing demand from boys, we are launching the new Babu Asoni scheme to extend similar financial assistance to male students. The bicycle distribution programme, which began in Dibrugarh, will be progressively rolled out across all districts of Assam in the coming weeks.”
A Ray of Hope for Students
For students like Rakesh Gogoi, a student from Sivasagar, the bicycle could be a turning point, “My school is almost six kilometres from my home. During the rainy season, walking becomes very difficult and I used to miss classes,” he said. “With a bicycle, I can reach school on time every day. It makes me feel more confident about continuing my studies.”
Similarly, the scheme has raised hopes among girl students, for whom safety and time constraints often compound the problem of distance, “I belong to a village and most of the time my parents worried about sending me alone. Getting a bicycle means I can travel faster and safer. It will help me stay in school and dream of going to college,” said Shamim Sultana of Shyamsundar School of Sribhumi.
The bicycle distribution is part of a broader strategy by the Assam Government to improve school retention. Over the years, the state has expanded support measures such as free textbooks, uniforms and midday meals to reduce the cost burden on families. Recently, free college enrolment was also introduced to encourage students to pursue higher education. As bicycles begin reaching schools across Assam, the State is betting that this simple intervention will help thousands of students pedal past obstacles keeping them in classrooms and closer to a more secure future.
