Pune: In an effort to reduce school dropout rates among rural girls, the Pune Zilla Parishad and Indapur Panchayat Samiti have launched a Cycle Club initiative, aimed at helping students reach distant secondary schools more easily. On Saturday, 111 bicycles were distributed to girl students in Indapur as part of this programme.

The bicycles were handed over by Agriculture Minister and Indapur MLA Dattatray Bharne, who praised the initiative, saying, “The Pune Zilla Parishad has consistently implemented innovative programmes. Providing bicycles to girl students is a commendable step that will boost school attendance.”

Officials explained that many girls drop out after Class 7 due to the need to travel to other villages for further education. Parents are often hesitant to allow their daughters to travel long distances alone. “Bicycles will enable safe, quicker, and often group travel, encouraging continued education,” said a Zilla Parishad representative.

The distribution event was attended by members of the Pune Zilla Parishad, Indapur Panchayat Samiti, and the Pune District Central Co-operative Bank. The girls who received the bicycles expressed their gratitude, saying the support would make daily school attendance much more manageable.