‘Vidya Vahini’ is a celebration of our collective commitment to empowering every daughter: Chief Minister Rekha Gupta

Delhi launches the ‘Vidya Vahini’ scheme, CM Rekha Gupta distributes bicycles to over 3,000 girl students

Around 1,40,000 girl students in Delhi government schools to receive free bicycles in a phased rollout

A bicycle is not just a means of transport; it is a symbol of freedom, dignity and self-reliance for our daughters: Chief Minister Rekha Gupta

The education, safety and empowerment of girls are the Delhi Government’s highest priorities: Education Minister Ashish Sood

New Delhi, July 2026 : Delhi Chief Minister Smt. Rekha Gupta on Friday launched the Delhi Government’s ambitious Vidya Vahini scheme at a programme held at the Sports Complex in East Vinod Nagar. As part of the launch, she distributed free bicycles to more than 3,000 Class IX girl students studying in Delhi Government schools. During the event, the Chief Minister interacted warmly with the students, asking about their studies, future aspirations and dreams. She encouraged them to pursue their education with confidence and dedication and strive to achieve their goals in life. The students also presented her with handmade paintings, which she appreciated, praising their creativity and talent while wishing them a bright future.

Union Minister of State and Delhi BJP President Shri Harsh Malhotra, Delhi Education Minister Shri Ashish Sood, Patparganj MLA Shri Ravinder Singh Negi, Director of Education and Sports Shri Nitin Jindal, teachers, parents and a large number of girl students were present on the occasion. Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said the programme was a celebration of Nari Shakti and of the collective resolve to empower every daughter through education. She said Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji has placed women-led development at the heart of the vision for a Viksit Bharat and has described education as the most effective means of women’s empowerment. The Vidya Vahini scheme, she said, has been launched in line with that vision.

The Chief Minister said that under the Vidya Vahini scheme, nearly 1,40,000 girl students studying in Delhi Government schools will receive free bicycles in a phased manner. She added that the scheme will continue in the coming years as well. It will ensure safe and convenient travel to school, save students’ time, improve regular attendance, reduce the likelihood of dropouts and ease the daily concerns of parents.

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said that a bicycle is much more than a mode of transport, it represents freedom, self-confidence, dignity, self-reliance and opportunity. She described education as the strongest foundation for empowerment, saying that when a girl is educated, she not only gains knowledge but also develops confidence, awareness and the ability to make informed decisions about her future. She added that the bicycle is not merely a gift but the beginning of a new journey. She urged the students to study with dedication and discipline, use their bicycles responsibly, follow traffic rules and always prioritise road safety.

Speaking on the occasion, Delhi Education Minister Shri Ashish Sood said the Delhi Government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, is translating Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji’s vision of women-led development and a Viksit Bharat into reality through the Vidya Vahini scheme. He said the programme is particularly significant because Delhi is led by a woman Chief Minister who is ensuring that the education, safety and empowerment of girls remain among the Government’s highest priorities. He added that when women are given the opportunity to lead, policies naturally place greater emphasis on women’s dignity, education and empowerment, and that the programme stands as a strong example of this approach.

The Education Minister said that after reaching Class IX, many girls have traditionally faced challenges in continuing their education because of the increased distance to school and transportation difficulties. The Vidya Vahini scheme, he said, is an important step towards removing these barriers. He added that although major claims had been made in the past about education, the basic infrastructure and the genuine needs of girl students in many government schools were often overlooked. The present Government, he said, has shifted its priorities by treating education as a means of nation-building rather than publicity. In keeping with this approach, around 1,40,000 girl students will receive free bicycles in a phased manner.