“Gujarat’s ‘Women on Wheels’ scheme, launched on June 15, 2025, provides free bicycles to girl students in Classes 9 to 12 across government schools, aiming to boost education access and mobility. Over 2 lakh girls are set to benefit, reducing dropout rates and promoting independence. The initiative has sparked discussions on its potential to transform rural education.”
Gujarat Rolls Out Free Bicycles for Girl Students
On June 15, 2025, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel launched the ambitious ‘Women on Wheels’ scheme, a flagship initiative to provide free bicycles to girl students in Classes 9 to 12 across government schools. The program targets over 2 lakh beneficiaries in its first phase, focusing on rural and semi-urban areas where access to education is often hindered by distance and lack of affordable transportation.
The scheme aims to address the high dropout rates among girls, particularly in secondary and higher secondary education, where commuting challenges are a significant barrier. According to state government data, nearly 15% of girls in rural Gujarat drop out after Class 8 due to logistical issues, including long distances to schools and safety concerns. By providing bicycles, the initiative seeks to enhance mobility, foster independence, and encourage continued education.
Officials from the Gujarat Education Department stated that the bicycles, sourced from local manufacturers, are designed for durability and safety, with features like sturdy frames and reflectors for night visibility. Each bicycle comes with a maintenance kit, and schools have been directed to conduct workshops on basic repair skills to ensure long-term usability. The scheme also includes a digital tracking system to monitor distribution and usage, ensuring transparency.
The launch event in Gandhinagar saw participation from students, educators, and local leaders. CM Patel emphasized the scheme’s role in empowering young women, stating, “This is not just about mobility; it’s about giving our girls the wings to chase their dreams.” Students like Priya Solanki, a Class 10 student from Banaskantha, shared their excitement, noting that the bicycle would cut her daily commute from 5 km to under 30 minutes, allowing more time for studies.
The initiative has garnered praise from educationists and gender rights activists. Dr. Meena Shah, a sociologist based in Ahmedabad, highlighted that improved access to education could lead to a 20% reduction in early marriages in rural areas, as girls stay in school longer. However, some critics have raised concerns about the scheme’s scalability and maintenance costs, urging the government to ensure consistent funding and infrastructure support, such as better rural roads.
Social media platforms, including X, have been abuzz with reactions. Many users hailed the scheme as a game-changer for rural education, while others called for complementary measures like safe cycling routes and awareness campaigns on road safety. The initiative aligns with Gujarat’s broader push for women’s empowerment, following similar schemes like free bus travel for women introduced in 2024.
The state government has allocated ₹150 crore for the first year, with plans to expand the scheme to include college-going girls by 2026. Partnerships with NGOs are also in place to conduct surveys on the scheme’s impact, with preliminary reports expected by December 2025. As Gujarat pedals forward with this initiative, it sets a precedent for other states to address educational disparities through innovative solutions.
Disclaimer: This article is based on information from official statements by the Gujarat government, education department reports, and trending discussions on X as of July 6, 2025. Data and opinions are sourced from reliable channels but remain subject to verification.