Bicycle distribution schemes increased the mobility of girls in rural areas, a new study shows. This ensured more of them finished school with better marks, delayed marriage and childbirth, and found work outside agriculture
We don’t know if Priyanka Kumari of Bihar’s Khoksa Kalyani village eventually became a doctor, but 14 years ago she had told Mint newspaper that it was her dream.
Priyanka was among the early beneficiaries of a state government scheme (Mukhyamantri Balika Cycle Yojana) to provide free bicycles to schoolgirls. Back then, it did seem like a life-changing idea. From an “occasional” school-goer, Priyanka became a regular. The bicycle made her daily 8km run to school possible.
Priyanka was among the early beneficiaries of a state government scheme (Mukhyamantri Balika Cycle Yojana) to provide free bicycles to schoolgirls. Back then, it did seem like a life-changing idea. From an “occasional” school-goer, Priyanka became a regular. The bicycle made her daily 8km run to school possible.