CHENNAI: With over 25 lakh students having received free bicycles in the last four years, the state government is extending this benefit to 6,15,518 Plus One students this year. The distribution of bicycles was launched by Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa at a function held at the Secretariat on July 15. Five students got the cycles from the Chief Minister in person and thanked her for the same.
Of the total number bi-cycles to be distributed, 2,73,592 would go to boys while girls would get 3,41,926. The total cost of bi-cycles being distributed this year is Rs.233.17 crore. During her previous tenure as Chief Minister, Jayalalithaa launched the scheme for girl students hailing from the SC/ST communities during the academic year 2001-2002. From 2005-06 onwards, all students studying in Plus One course in government and government aided schools have been getting bicycles free of cost. Adi Dravidar Welfare Minister N Subramanian, School Education Minister KC Veeramani, Backward Classes Welfare Minister S Abdul Rahim and senior officials were present on the occasion.