The Vidya Vahini scheme was recently inaugurated by Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, aimed at enhancing the educational journey of girls in the capital. The initiative commenced with the distribution of bicycles to over 3,000 Class 9 female students from government schools. This scheme is part of a broader plan to provide a total of approximately 1.40 lakh bicycles to girls in a phased approach across Delhi.

The ceremony took place at the East Vinod Nagar Sports Complex, where Gupta emphasized the importance of the scheme in promoting safer and easier commuting for girls. She indicated that the initiative is not only designed to facilitate school attendance but also to significantly reduce dropout rates among female students.

Gupta interacted with the students during the event, stating that the bicycles would empower the girls to travel independently, addressing parents’ concerns regarding their safety. She remarked that the bicycles would serve as “a medium of dignity,” enhancing the overall confidence of young women as they navigate their daily commutes.

Comments from Government Officials

In attendance were several key figures, including Education Minister Ashish Sood, Union Minister of State and Delhi BJP president Harsh Malhotra, and Patparganj MLA Ravinder Singh Negi. During his address, Sood highlighted that the initiative specifically targets the transportation hurdles that many girls face at this crucial juncture in their education.

Sood reiterated the Delhi government’s commitment to prioritising the education, safety, and empowerment of girls, underlining the significance of ensuring that they have the necessary resources for a secure and accessible education.

The distribution of bicycles is a significant step towards fostering a supportive and enabling environment for girls, allowing them greater freedom to attend school and participate in their education. The government expects that this will also contribute positively to overall school attendance rates.

Potential Extension of Pink Ticket Facility

In a related development, the Delhi government is reportedly considering an extension of the existing pink ticket facility for women using Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) buses. This extension may continue until August 15, offering additional time for commuters to obtain the new Pink Saheli smart card.

Previously, the Transport Department had mandated that the Pink Saheli smart card would replace the paper-based pink tickets in August for free bus travel. Senior officials indicated that the extension aims to encourage women travellers to apply for the smart card without the pressure of an immediate deadline.

So far, around 17 lakh Pink Saheli cards have been distributed, with the Delhi government aiming for a significant increase in this number by the end of August. After this date, the transition to the smart card system is expected to become compulsory for eligible women seeking free travel on DTC services.

Observing a slower pace of smart card adoption, Delhi Transport Corporation has initiated an awareness campaign throughout its bus network to inform women passengers about the application process for the smart card. Additionally, the government has set up 50 authorised centres across the city for the issuance of Pink Saheli smart cards.

Officials noted that the move towards phasing out the paper-based pink ticket system in favour of a digital smart card solution aligns with modernisation efforts aimed at enhancing the benefits available to women commuters in Delhi.

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