Delhi CM gives away bicycles to 1,100 schoolgirls on Durga Ashtami

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, during a visit to the Sarvodaya Vidyalaya on Thursday, gave away 1100 bicycles to schoolgirls on the occasion of Durga Ashtami.
Addressing Class X students of the school in their classroom during the visit, Rekha Gupta called them ‘daughters are divine’. Receiving bicycles from the chief minister, several students were overwhelmed with emotion, expressing gratitude to her.

Addressing the gathering during an event organised on the Sarvodaya Vidyalaya campus in Pitampura to mark Durga Ashtmai, Gupta described daughters as divine and said Navratri is not just about worship, but also about reaffirming respect for girls and committing to their empowerment.

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Referring to the recently presented Delhi Budget, she said her government has prioritised schemes for girls, and women to make them self-reliant.
During her interaction with the girls, a student said she had not even imagined meeting the CM personally. She said she felt encouraged by the the government’s initiatives for girls.
Another student, whiloe expressing her gratitude to the chief minister for the bicycle scheme, exclaimed that she no longer has to face the challenge she used to while commuting to the school. Transport in the city has been something that had made things a little difficult for her and other girls when it came to reaching school, etc.

On the occasion, the CM mentioned about the Lakhpati Bitiya Yojana, sharing that the government will now lay the financial foundation for every girl born in the national capital. She explained how as part of the scheme, a financial assistance will be deposited directly into a girl’s account in phases, starting from the birth of a girl child, and then classes 1, 6, 9, 12, and every year in college. By the time a girl graduates, she will receive around Rs 1.25 lakh to help her move forward with confidence and independence in life and career.

Gupta stated that based on feedback from the students, it has been revealed that commuting difficulties often disrupted studies, and in some cases even led to dropout. To address this crucial concern, the government decided to provide bicycles to all girls entering Class IX every year, with the benefit going to be extended to around 1.3 lakh students annually.

She clarified that while Class 9 students will receive bicycles under the government scheme, the bicycles given to Class 10 students at the event were part of her personal initiative.
Gupta instilled confidence in the girls, stating that they are going to complete their education based on their own strength.

Resonding to the criticism of the scheme, the CM called it unfortunate and shameful to make objectionable remarks about initiatives meant for girls. “Our daughters are like goddesses. Questioning schemes for their future reflects a regrettable mindset,” she added.
Sharing the lessons that learned from her father, she told the girls that they must stand firm in the face of challenges that come their way. Gupta assured them of the Delhi government’s commitment to their safety and progress. “Aim high, make your parents, society, and the nation proud.”

In another important initiative aimed to boost economic independence of Delhi’s women, Gupta announced 1,000 new autorickshaw permits to women. These ‘Pink Autos’ will be driven by women, offering them dignified employment and greater self-reliance,” she added.