Berhampur, Oct. 28: Chief minister Naveen Patnaik today launched a scheme for distributing free bicycles to Class X girl students at Paralakhemundi, the headquarters of Gajapati district, about 120km from here.

“The state government took several steps for the development of girls’ education in Orissa, and it has yielded good results. There has been a sharp decline in the dropout rate among Scheduled Tribe and Scheduled Caste girls. Giving free bicycles to all girls studying in Class X in government and government-aided schools across the state will further encourage other girls to study,” said the chief minister while launching the scheme.

“I am very glad to say that a total of 2.88 lakh girls studying in Class X in government and government-aided schools across the state, including 22,426 students in Ganjam education circle, will benefit from this scheme and we have earmarked Rs 50 crore to spend this year for the purpose,” Naveen added.