Ledo witnessed a scene of optimism and youthful excitement on Monday as 240 Class IX students received bicycles under the Chief Minister’s Special Scheme. The distribution programme was held at Ledo Sankardev Vidyapith Higher English School in Tinsukia district. The initiative aims to support students from economically weaker backgrounds and improve access to secondary education.
The event was organised under the 83rd Margherita Legislative Assembly Constituency. Students from various nearby schools participated in the programme. Teachers, parents, and local representatives were also present. Moreover, lending strong community support to the initiative.
Push to Strengthen School Attendance in Rural Assam
The bicycle distribution scheme has been designed to address a major challenge in rural Assam. Many students struggle to attend school regularly due to long distances and lack of affordable transport. Also, the bicycles are expected to reduce daily travel hardship and improve punctuality.
Officials said the scheme primarily targets Class IX students. This stage is considered crucial, as dropout rates tend to rise after the completion of middle school. By easing mobility, the government hopes to encourage students to continue their education without interruption.
Teachers at the event said the initiative would have a direct impact on attendance. They noted that several students walk long distances every day. Thereafter, often affecting their academic performance and health. The bicycles are expected to change that reality.
Local Administration and School Authorities Laud Initiative
Senior education department officials attended the programme and interacted with students. Additionally, they said the scheme reflects the government’s focus on inclusive development through education. Special emphasis, they added, has been placed on rural and tea garden areas.
School authorities thanked the state government for selecting Ledo as one of the beneficiary locations. They said such welfare-driven schemes create confidence among students and parents alike. The presence of parents at the event underlined the importance of community involvement in education.
Local representatives highlighted that transport-related challenges often discourage students, especially girls, from continuing school. Furthermore, they said the bicycles would provide a sense of safety and independence. This, they added, aligns with broader goals of gender equity in education.
Students Express Joy and Renewed Motivation
Students receiving bicycles shared their excitement and gratitude. Many said the bicycles would save them time and energy. Furthermore, some students said they currently spend over an hour each way walking to school.
Parents echoed similar sentiments. They said the bicycles would reduce daily stress and financial burden. Several parents said they could not afford private transport, making the scheme a timely intervention.
Teachers observed that students appeared more confident and motivated. They said the symbolic value of the bicycle goes beyond mobility. Nevertheless, it represents encouragement and recognition from the state.
Part of Assam Government’s Education-Focused Welfare Drive
The bicycle distribution programme is part of a wider education-focused welfare drive in Assam. The government has rolled out multiple schemes targeting school infrastructure, scholarships, uniforms, and digital access. Officials said the bicycle scheme complements these efforts by addressing physical access to schools.
Education department sources said similar programmes have already shown positive results in other districts. Attendance levels have reportedly improved where bicycles were distributed earlier. Authorities said regular monitoring will be carried out to assess long-term impact.
The scheme also supports Assam’s goal of reducing dropout rates at the secondary level. Officials said retaining students beyond Class VIII remains a priority area. Further, transport support, they believe, is a practical solution to a structural problem.
Community Impact and Long-Term Vision
Local education activists said the programme could have long-term social benefits. Improved access to education often leads to better employment opportunities and social mobility. They said such schemes help break cycles of poverty in rural areas.
Community leaders urged students to make full use of the bicycles. Also, they encouraged them to focus on studies and maintain discipline. They also appealed to parents to support their children’s educational journey.
Call for Wider Coverage and Continued Support
While welcoming the initiative, speakers at the event called for wider coverage in future phases. They said more students from remote villages should be included. Expansion of the scheme, they argued, would ensure no student is left behind due to logistical barriers.
The programme in Ledo concluded with a brief address from officials and a group interaction with students. The distribution marked another step in Assam’s ongoing effort to strengthen grassroots education. For hundreds of students, the bicycles symbolised not just mobility, but a clearer path toward their academic future.