The Uttar Pradesh Cabinet approved the scheme on July 21, with the intention of supporting female students pursuing undergraduate courses. According to higher education minister Yogendra Upadhyay, only native residents of Uttar Pradesh will qualify for the benefits. The government has instructed a selected two-wheeler company to prepare for distribution, which is anticipated to begin after November 25.

This scheme was a significant promise made by the Bharatiya Janata Party during the 2022 Assembly elections, highlighting the government’s commitment to women’s empowerment in the state.

Procurement Process and Costs

The higher education department has confirmed that two major two-wheeler companies participated in the bidding process for the scooters. This process was conducted in two phases: the first phase focused on technical specifications, while the second phase evaluated financial bids. Each scooter is estimated to cost around ₹67,000, which includes registration, five years of insurance, accessories, a helmet, and five litres of petrol, as stated by Monika Singh, the director of higher education in Prayagraj.

The department is currently finalising the list of eligible beneficiaries. Reports indicate that Ambedkar Nagar district is expected to have the highest number of beneficiaries among all districts in Uttar Pradesh. Additionally, officials have established a provision to adjust the number of scooters by up to 25 per cent based on changes in the eligibility of students. Further revisions beyond this limit may also be made if necessary.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath highlighted the importance of the scheme during the International Women’s Day celebrations on March 8, underscoring the need for timely distribution of scooters to deserving girl students.

Budget and Committees Formed

The state government allocated ₹400 crore for the Rani Lakshmibai Scooty Yojana in the Budget presented on February 20, 2025. This financial commitment indicates the government’s prioritisation of women’s empowerment initiatives within the state. To ensure the effective implementation of the scheme, two separate committees were established on March 11, 2025. These committees are tasked with finalising the eligibility criteria, selection process, and technical specifications for the scooters.

Despite the initial enthusiasm surrounding the initiative, progress has reportedly been slow over the past year. The government aims to expedite the implementation process to ensure that the scooters are distributed to the eligible students as planned.

As the launch date approaches, stakeholders are keenly observing the developments related to the Rani Lakshmibai Scooty Yojana. The initiative is anticipated to play a crucial role in enhancing the mobility and educational opportunities for meritorious girl students in Uttar Pradesh.

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This scheme specifically addresses the transportation challenges faced by students, particularly those living far from their schools. By providing bicycles for daily commutes, the initiative aims to make education more accessible and convenient, which is crucial for encouraging sustained enrolment and attendance among girl students.

Objectives of the Vidya Vahini Yojana

The primary goal of the Vidya Vahini Yojana is to improve access to education for girl students in Delhi. By alleviating transportation-related difficulties, the scheme seeks to promote regular school attendance and reduce dropout rates among female students. The provision of bicycles not only assists with commuting but also fosters a sense of independence among young girls.

Chief Minister Gupta emphasised that bicycles should be viewed as vehicles for empowerment, underscoring their role in supporting girls’ education. This year, the government plans to distribute bicycles to roughly 1.40 lakh Class 9 girls across the city, reinforcing their commitment to enhancing educational accessibility.

Previously, on July 31, 2026, Gupta had already initiated a similar programme, providing over 3,000 bicycles to girls in East Vinod Nagar at the Sports Complex. These efforts signal a broader initiative aimed at ensuring that no student is disadvantaged due to transportation challenges.

Government’s Commitment to Education

Delhi’s Education Minister Ashish Sood also underscored the significance of the bicycle distribution initiative, articulating that it would contribute to the self-reliance of girl students. He pointed out how transportation difficulties often serve as an additional obstacle to education and reiterated the government’s commitment to resolving these issues.

The bicycle distribution programme is part of a series of measures implemented by the Delhi government to enhance educational accessibility for school-going girls. By ensuring that transportation does not impede their schooling, the government aims to promote educational continuity and resilience among young female learners.

Students who received bicycles expressed their appreciation for this initiative, noting that it would make their daily journeys to school significantly more manageable. The anticipation of increased convenience has instilled a sense of confidence in many, motivating them to continue their studies without the worry of transportation constraints.

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Speaking at the event, Ritu Patwari, Director of Avaada Foundation, said: “We believe education is key to a society’s holistic development. These bicycles will not only make it easier for children to attend school, but also boost their confidence and self-reliance. Our goal is to ensure that every child can reach their dreams without obstacles.”

Avaada Foundation has been consistently working for over a year in these underserved villages of Sonbhadra, focusing on education, empowerment and health. Key initiatives include:

Installation of solar-powered lights

Provision of drinking water facilities

Organizing cricket matches and cultural programs

Supplying inverters and libraries to government schools

Development of playgrounds

Distribution of uniforms, school bags, and shoes to children

Providing clothing to village residents

Appointment of teachers in local schools

Facilitating educational trips for students

Additionally, the Foundation has distributed nutritious ration kits to provide children and their families with balanced diets. Women have been trained in kitchen gardening and provided with seeds and saplings, enabling them to grow fresh, healthy vegetables for household use.

The bicycle distribution program was attended by the District Basic Education Officer, Avaada Foundation Directors Mr. Jay Shankar Shukla and Mr. Mahesh Mathur, Block Education Officers (Kon and Nagwa), Gram Pradhan from Basuhari village, local police station officials and other distinguished guests. The event also saw enthusiastic participation from local residents and parents.

Avaada Foundation strongly believes that education and nutrition are both essential to the holistic development of every child. No social or geographical barrier should ever stand in the way of these fundamental rights.

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The ‘Learning for Life’ program comprises of over 300 hours of skills-based training provided by academia and industry professionals for employment in hospitality, tourism, and allied industries. The comprehensive curriculum offers students training in Front Office Administration and Food and Beverage services along with interpersonal skills and digital literacy. In addition to this, Industry/Government approved certification provided through this program ensures graduates are job-ready and equipped with expertise that is highly valued in the hospitality sector. Post completion of the program, students are employed by placement partners including Hilton Inn, Crowne Plaza, JW Marriott and Le Meridien, all of whom have come together to build a more inclusive hospitality industry.

As part of Diageo India’s ‘Spirit of Progress’ ESG action plan, the company has committed to ensuring that 50% of the beneficiaries of its CSR and community impact initiatives are women. This initiative is a step towards driving inclusion & diversity, while providing women employable skills in the hospitality, tourism, and allied industries.

Devashish Dasgupta, Director, Corporate Relations, Diageo India said,“We are pleased to partner with TSL Foundation as part of our Learning for Life programme and are delighted by the successful graduation of 200 girls from9 batches inDelhi NCR. This initiative is aligned to our ‘Spirit of Progress’ goals, and we will continue efforts to make a positive impact on society, enhancing employability & improving livelihoods through our skilling initiatives. Being a part of the ceremony today and hearing their stories of impact motivate us to stay committed to this program.”

Sahil Arora, CEO, TSL Group, “We are immensely proud of our successful partnership with Diageo India in empowering 200 young women through skill development in the hospitality sector. This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to fostering inclusivity, creating opportunities, and driving meaningful change in the communities we serve. Together, we are not only equipping these talented girls with the skills to thrive in the hospitality industry but also paving the way for a brighter, more equitable future. This milestone is a testament to the power of partnerships that prioritize social impact, and we look forward to continuing this journey of transformation with Diageo India.”

Kavita, a student part of the ‘Learning for Life’ program said, “Being a part of the ‘Learning for Life’ program has been a life-changing experience for me. The training not only enhanced my technical skills in hospitality but also boosted my confidence and communication abilities. Today, I feel prepared to step into the industry with the right knowledge and expertise. I am grateful to Diageo India for this incredible opportunity to build a brighter future.”

Till date, over 5000 youth have been trained for business and hospitality sector under Diageo India’s Learning for Life programme.

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The initiative addresses one of the significant challenges of school dropouts among the girl students, the long distance between their homes and educational institutions.

The bicycle donation drive was held at Ravindra Bhavan, Sanquelim Desai Nagar, Harvale, Goa in the presence of Dr. Pramod Sawant, Hon’ble Chief Minister, Government of Goa, Shri Shailesh Zingde – Director Of Education, Shri Vijay B. Saxena – Director (DPSE)/ Jt. CEO, Goa CSR Authority, and senior dignitaries from RBL Bank.

The UMEED initiative aims to offer a practical and sustainable solution by providing underprivileged girls with access to reliable transportation. These bicycles will empower them to commute to school efficiently while promoting an energy-conscious and environmentally friendly approach. This year, RBL Bank aims to distribute over 1,800 bicycles and school kits across India, reinforcing its commitment to supporting education and empowering young minds.

R. Subramaniakumar, MD & CEO, RBL Bank said, “At RBL Bank, we believe that education is the cornerstone of a bright future. Through our CSR initiative, UMEED, we strive to address critical barriers that prevent children from accessing quality education. By providing bicycles and school kits, we aim to empower young girls to overcome obstacles and pursue their dreams. This initiative underscores our unwavering commitment to creating a more inclusive and equitable society, where every child has the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive.”

RBL Bank’s UMEED initiative has been a beacon of hope for marginalised communities across the country. With a focus on enabling education and fostering opportunities, the Bank continues to lead impactful outreach programmes that bring meaningful change. The distribution of bicycles and school kits is yet another step toward building a brighter, more sustainable future for India’s youth.

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