Assam’s ambitious statewide bicycle distribution initiative was formally launched by Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, who ceremoniously gave bicycles to Dibrugarh’s Class IX pupils. 3,10,031 students from government and provincialized secondary schools, tea garden model schools, and other model institutions across the state will benefit from the project, which aims to improve student mobility and lower dropout rates. The Chief Minister gave a speech at the Dibrugarh High School Playground, outlining the program’s justification and emphasizing that transportation obstacles are a major cause of student attrition.
The Chief Minister emphasized how better mobility and academic results are directly related. In order to improve Assam’s educational system, Dr. Sarma also unveiled a complete package of academic support initiatives. Rs 300 per month will now be given to students preparing for the Class X board exam, offering vital financial support during a crucial academic stage. Additionally, for kids who pass the HSLC (Class 10) exam and decide to pursue higher education, the government has promised to pay entrance costs between Rs 10,000 and Rs 12,000.
It is anticipated that this action will lessen the financial strain on families and promote continuing academic participation after high school. The Chief Minister announced a major expansion of the current Nijut Moina program for female students, addressing gender inclusion in educational support. “Responding to growing demand from boys, we are launching the new Babu Asoni scheme to extend similar financial assistance to male students,” Sarma said. In the upcoming weeks, the bicycle distribution program—which started in Dibrugarh—will be gradually expanded throughout all of Assam’s districts.