What Bicycle Distribution Initiative Did Assam CM Launch for School Students?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Over 3 lakh students to benefit from bicycles.
- Goals include increasing enrollment and reducing dropout rates.
- Program addresses financial hardships faced by students.
- Free textbooks, uniforms, and meals are provided.
- Future initiatives planned for boys.
Guwahati, December 11 (NationPress) Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has inaugurated a bicycle distribution initiative aimed at providing bicycles to 3,10,031 students in Class IX from government and provincial schools during an event in Dibrugarh district on Thursday.
Among these students, there are 1,34,432 boys and 1,75,608 girls. The initiative also encompasses tea garden model schools and Adarsha Vidyalayas.
The primary objectives of this scheme are to enhance school enrollment, promote consistent attendance, and minimize dropout rates.
During the launch, Chief Minister Sarma emphasized that while aspirations vary among individuals, a certain level of education is essential to achieve one's goals.
He highlighted that in Assam, approximately 6% of enrolled students discontinue their education within four to five years after enrollment.
“Furthermore, 8% of students leave by the eighth grade, resulting in a total dropout rate of 14% from primary school to Class VIII,” he noted.
At the higher secondary level, the dropout rate escalates to 40%, leading to a grim outlook for the aspirations of a significant portion of the population.
The Chief Minister remarked that every child possesses inherent talent, which flourishes in a supportive environment that educational institutions are meant to provide.
He pointed out that students who leave school due to financial constraints miss out on opportunities to develop their skills.
To combat this issue, the government has implemented various measures to ensure that no child is forced to leave school because of economic challenges.
These initiatives include the provision of free textbooks, uniforms, and midday meals.
He explained that as students progress to secondary school, they often face long commutes to attend classes.
“To alleviate this challenge, we have introduced this bicycle scheme for Class IX students,” he stated.
Additionally, the Chief Minister announced that college enrollment will be free for students.
Under the Nijut Moina scheme, each girl at the higher secondary level now receives Rs. 1000 monthly.
“At the undergraduate level, students receive Rs. 1250, and at the postgraduate level, Rs. 2500, he added.
CM Sarma further indicated that a similar initiative for boys will be launched soon.