Jaipur

The Rajasthan government will soon provide saffron-colored bicycles to around four lakh girl students in Class IX. Tenders have been issued by the BJP government to replace the black bicycles previously given during the Congress tenure under Ashok Gehlot. This free bicycle scheme, initiated in 2011, aims to help girls in government schools access education by providing bicycles upon completing ninth grade.

During Vasundhara Raje’s BJP government (2013-2018), saffron bicycles were distributed, but the color switched to black when Congress returned to power in 2018. Education Minister Madan Dilawar said the saffron color represents energy, bravery, and positivity, and is also associated with freedom fighters’ attire. Tenders were invited on July 22, with distribution expected in September-October. A parent in Jaipur noted the color change reflects the shifting political landscape in Rajasthan.