Tamil Nadu Secures Deal to Distribute Free Bicycles to 530,000 Students

Chennai, November 13 (Daily Kiran) : The Tamil Nadu government has finalized an agreement to distribute free bicycles to 530,000 students from government and aided schools. Following extensive negotiations, Hero Cycles has been selected as the successful bidder for this initiative.

As part of the deal, Hero Cycles will provide 237,000 bicycles for boys at a cost of ₹5,260 each and 295,000 bicycles for girls at ₹5,130 each. These new prices represent a reduction of 27-31 percent from the company’s previously quoted rates.

The total expenditure for this purchase is estimated at approximately ₹274 crore, which falls within the allocated budget of ₹277 crore for the program. The bicycles will meet new safety standards, featuring robust frames, wider tires, and a maintenance kit.

This initiative aims to facilitate transportation for students, especially those who travel long distances. It is expected to improve attendance and retention rates among 11th-grade students in government and aided schools.

Officials have noted that through successful negotiations, they managed to include essential accessories with the bicycles while staying within the approved budget. The affordable rates achieved through bargaining have been welcomed as a positive outcome, ensuring quality within financial constraints.

The “Free Bicycle Scheme” in Tamil Nadu remains a significant welfare measure, aimed at easing daily commutes and promoting regular attendance, particularly among girls and economically disadvantaged students.

With the agreement now in place, distribution of the bicycles is anticipated to begin in the coming months, benefiting over half a million students across the state. The revised pricing is viewed as a meaningful result of thorough discussions, allowing the government to provide high-quality bicycles while fulfilling its financial responsibilities.