Madhya Pradesh Free Bicycle Scheme Extended for 5 More Years; Students to Receive Bicycles Directly

The Madhya Pradesh government has extended the free bicycle distribution scheme, launched two decades ago, for the next five years. A budget of ₹990 crore has been approved till 2030-31 under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Mohan Yadav.

Out of this, approximately ₹210 crore will be spent on bicycle procurement this year, compared to ₹195 crore spent last year, marking an increase of around 7.69%.

Under the revised system, students will not receive cash assistance. Instead, bicycles will be directly provided through a centralized procurement system managed by the Directorate of Public Instruction.

The scheme was launched in 2004-05 initially for Scheduled Tribe (ST) girl students studying outside their villages. Later, it was expanded to include Scheduled Castes (SC), Other Backward Classes (OBC), and General category students who travel outside their villages for schooling.

Currently, the cost of one bicycle is estimated between ₹3,500 and ₹3,800. Until 2021-22, financial assistance was directly transferred to students' bank accounts, but for the last three years, procurement has been done centrally.

DIET Centers to Be Upgraded

The government has also approved ₹2,191 crore for the bicycle scheme and educational infrastructure development. Out of this, ₹1,200 crore will be used for DIET institutions’ salaries, infrastructure, and operational costs.

Across the state, 47 DIETs and 7 PGBT colleges will be upgraded with new facilities such as laboratories, interactive panels, computers, staff quarters, hostels, and improved infrastructure.