Month-end deadline for bicycle scheme

BHUBANESWAR: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Monday directed that cheques to beneficiaries of the free bi-cycle scheme be distributed by November 30.  Under the Free Cycle Scheme of the Government, Class X girl students of government and aided schools and SC and ST boys in 118 sub-plans in the tribal districts will benefit.Naveen reviewed the cycle as well as the free uniform scheme at a meeting here. It was informed that so far, 1,17,181 students have so far been handed out the cheques for the cycles. Of them, over 21,000 have already procured cycles.By month-end, all 2,70,943 beneficiaries will have been covered, the meeting revealed. By January-end, the school authorities will have to report that the beneficiaries have bought the cycles.In fact, to make the scheme successful, keeping the ensuing panchayat elections in mind, the Government has even asked all the circle inspectors and other field functionaries under the School and Mass Education Department to track it. In case, students have any complaints, the Government has provided a toll-free number to lodge their grievances.The Government has also roped in Employment Mission. Since the two lakh-odd cycles will necessitate repair after a while, the Mission has been asked to train youths in the districts to come up with workshops which will create employment opportunities.Under the free uniform scheme, the Government is planning to provide four pairs of uniforms to 51 lakh students. It is targeted to be wrapped up by December 31. Quality of the cloth used must not be compromised, the CM said.