Editor
In a significant move aimed at enhancing educational outcomes and empowering students, the Cabinet of Assam has approved the procurement of bicycles for 3,78,000 Class-IX students across 4,372 Government and Provincialised Schools. The decision was announced by Education Minister Ranoj Pegu via Twitter on Monday.
The approved budget of Rs. 167.95 Crore will be allocated to facilitate the purchase of bicycles, which will be procured through the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) portal. This initiative is part of the state government's efforts to provide better infrastructure and support to students, particularly in remote and rural areas where transportation can be a significant challenge.
Expressing his enthusiasm over the decision, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma also took to Twitter to highlight the potential impact of this intervention on educational outcomes. He described it as a "landmark intervention" that would not only improve academic performance but also nurture the aspirations of students, allowing them to soar higher.
The provision of bicycles to Class-IX students is expected to have multiple benefits. It will help in reducing the distance and time required for students to commute to and from school, enabling them to attend classes regularly. By overcoming transportation barriers, this initiative aims to increase school attendance rates and reduce dropout rates, especially among girls.
Furthermore, the availability of bicycles will contribute to students' overall well-being and physical fitness. Regular physical activity has been linked to improved concentration, cognitive function, and overall mental health, which are vital for effective learning.
The government's decision to procure bicycles through the GeM portal demonstrates its commitment to transparency and efficiency in the procurement process. The GeM platform provides a digital marketplace for government entities to buy goods and services directly from registered suppliers, ensuring fair and competitive pricing.
The Assam government's initiative aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) agenda, particularly Goal 4, which emphasizes quality education for all. By removing transportation barriers and facilitating access to education, this move will contribute to the state's progress towards achieving inclusive and equitable education for all its students.
As the procurement process commences, school authorities and officials will work diligently to ensure that the bicycles are distributed promptly and equitably among the eligible Class-IX students in the government and provincialized schools across Assam.
This landmark decision by the Assam government reflects its commitment to nurturing the potential of every student and creating an enabling environment for their educational growth. It is anticipated that the provision of bicycles will pave the way for a brighter future for thousands of students, enabling them to pursue their dreams with renewed vigour and determination.