Bhopal, July 10 (IANS) Chief Minister Mohan Yadav announced a sweeping package of educational support during the ‘Guru Purnima Mahotsav’ in Bhopal, centred around improving access, equity, and digital empowerment for students across Madhya Pradesh.

At the heart of the Rs 195 crore initiative was the distribution of free bicycles to over 4.30 lakh students who travel more than two kilometres to attend school.

The launch was symbolised by the Chief Minister personally handing over 50 bicycles to students at Kamla Nehru Sandipani Girls School in Bhopal, marking a state-wide rollout of the MP Free Cycle Yojana.

Meritorious Class 12 students from government schools will now receive electric scooties, continuing a programme that benefited nearly 8,000 students last year.

“Next month, school toppers will also receive electric scooties. Those who secured more than 75 per cent marks have already been given laptops recently,” the Chief Minister announced.

CM Yadav also unveiled a series of new commitments aimed at bolstering academic opportunities. In a fresh promise of educational inclusivity, the chief minister said, “Meritorious students will also get financial assistance for private medical colleges. Students who clear the NEET exam but fail to gain admission to prestigious government colleges will have their tuition fees fully paid by the government, even if the cost reaches Rs 70 or Rs 80 lakh, or whatever amount, if they gain admission to private medical colleges. A student from an economically weaker family must not be deprived of medical education.”

He added that state medical colleges will soon have a combined seat capacity of 10,000, up from the existing figure of nearly 5,000.

The state is also investing in the transformation of government-run schools, now called Sandipani Vidyalayas, into modern hubs of learning. These institutions will be equipped with smart classrooms, science and computer labs, libraries, and extensive sports facilities, including swimming pools.

Over 265 schools are under construction, with 116 ready for occupancy this year. Additional support includes ready-made school uniforms for all students starting next year and free coaching for competitive exams alongside career guidance.

Earlier this month, nearly one lakh students who scored above 75 per cent in Class 12 received Rs 25,000 each to purchase laptops.

Starting next year, the laptops will be distributed directly, reinforcing the government’s commitment to digital literacy.

The number of such students stood at 94,000.

“With transportation, tuition, infrastructure, and digital tools now part of a broader education framework, the state is laying the groundwork for a more inclusive and opportunity-rich future for its youth,” he said.

–IANS

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