Chief Minister’s Gift to Girls on Durga Ashtami: 1,100 Students Receive Bicycles

Making Education Accessible: 1.3 Lakh Schoolgirls in Delhi to Get Free Bicycles

Students Moved to Tears; CM Rekha Gupta Says Daughters Are Divine

CM Hits Back at Critics: ‘Calling Such Schemes Into Question Is Shameful’

New Delhi, March 2026 : On the occasion of Durga Ashtami, Delhi Chief Smt. Minister Rekha Gupta on Thursday distributed bicycles to 1,100 schoolgirls who have recently entered Class 10 in government schools in the Shalimar Bagh constituency. The event was held at the Sarvodaya Vidyalaya campus in Pitampura, where several students grew emotional upon receiving the bicycles and thanked the Chief Minister. Addressing the gathering, 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. She extended festive greetings and energized the crowd with chants of ‘Jai Mata Di.’

Support from Birth to Graduation

Referring to the recently presented Delhi Budget, the Chief Minister said her government has prioritised schemes for girls and women to make them self-reliant. Speaking about the Lakhpati Bitiya Yojana, she said the government will now lay the financial foundation for every girl born in Delhi.

Under the scheme, financial assistance will be deposited directly into a girl’s account at multiple stages—birth, Classes 1, 6, 9, 12, and every year in college. By the time she graduates, each beneficiary is expected to receive around ₹1.25 lakh, helping her move forward with confidence and independence.

Bicycles to Ease Access to Education

Gupta said feedback from students revealed that commuting difficulties often disrupted studies, and in some cases even led to dropouts. To address this, the government has decided to provide bicycles to all girls entering Class 9 every year—benefiting 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. Interacting with the girls, she asked with a smile, “You know how to ride, right? If not, learn soon. Now you’ll complete your education on your own strength.”

‘No Politics Over Daughters’

Taking a strong stand against criticism of the scheme, the Chief Minister said it was 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 said.

Assurance of Safety and Self-Reliance

Encouraging the students, Gupta shared lessons from her father, urging them to stand firm and fearless in the face of challenges. She assured them that the Delhi government is committed to their safety and progress. “Aim high—make your parents, society, and the nation proud,” she said.

‘Pink Auto’ Scheme for Women

To boost women’s economic independence, Gupta announced that the government will issue 1,000 new auto permits to women. These ‘Pink Autos’ will be driven by women, offering them dignified employment and greater self-reliance.

Free Screening for Newborns

In a significant health initiative, she also announced free blood tests for all newborns in Delhi to detect 56 genetic disorders. The government will fully bear the cost, enabling early diagnosis and timely treatment.

A Day of Emotion and Aspiration

The most touching moment came when the Chief Minister stepped down to interact directly with the students. Many were visibly emotional; some shared dreams of becoming IAS officers, while others spoke about how bicycles would help them reach school on time.

One student said she never imagined meeting the Chief Minister and felt encouraged by the initiatives for girls. Another expressed gratitude for the bicycle scheme, noting that transport challenges had often made it difficult to attend school regularly. Gupta concluded by motivating the students to pursue their dreams with confidence, assuring them that the government stands firmly behind them at every step.