In a significant boost to student welfare, Tamil Nadu's Information Technology Minister, Palanivel Thiaga Rajan, personally distributed free bicycles to hundreds of students in Madurai on Saturday. The event, held at the Velliveethiyar Corporation Girls Higher Secondary School, marked the rollout of a key state government initiative aimed at supporting education.
Welfare Schemes for a Leading Tamil Nadu
Addressing the gathering, Minister Palanivel Thiaga Rajan highlighted the government's commitment to comprehensive public welfare. He stated that the administration has implemented a wide array of schemes focused on critical sectors like healthcare, education, agriculture, and industrial development. The overarching goal is to position Tamil Nadu as a leading state in the country.
The minister specifically emphasized the government's focus on the school education department, through which several assistance programs are run. These include the popular breakfast scheme, provision of uniforms, and free textbooks, all designed to reduce barriers to learning.
Empowering Students with Mobility
The bicycle distribution drive is a core part of this educational support. On Saturday, a total of 663 students received their bicycles. The beneficiaries included:
- 267 girls from Velliveethiyar Corporation Girls HSS
- 94 boys and 70 girls from Thiru VK Corporation HSS
- 119 girls from Kasturba Gandhi Corporation GHSS
- 100 boys from Sundararajapuram Corporation HSS
- 13 boys from Sethupathi Pandithurai Corporation HSS
This distribution is just the first phase. Overall, the scheme will benefit 2,001 students studying in the 11th grade across Madurai corporation schools. The breakdown includes 1,557 girls and 444 boys. Authorities confirmed that students in the remaining schools will receive their free bicycles within the current year.
A Focus on Women's Education and Employment
Minister Rajan took special note of the government's emphasis on empowering women. He asserted that Tamil Nadu places greater importance on education and employment opportunities for women compared to many other states. The higher number of girl beneficiaries in the bicycle scheme reflects this focused approach, aiming to enable their regular school attendance and long-term success.
During the event, the minister urged all students to make the best use of the welfare assistance provided by the state. He encouraged them to leverage this support to excel in their education and build a successful life.
The distribution ceremony was presided over by Madurai Corporation Commissioner Chitra Vijayan. It was also attended by Chief Education Officer Dayalan, along with other officials and teachers from the participating schools.
