BJP’s saffron cycles get a black makeover

The work to re-colour the saffron bicycles black is going on a high pace in Alwar. If election model code of conduct doesn’t come in the way, they will soon be distributed to schoolgirls in the
district.

During its rule in Rajasthan, the BJP-led government initiated a scheme under the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyaan where bicycles were to be provided to girls studying in Class X and whose school is about three-four km away from their house.

According to the scheme, around 2,948 bicycles were to be distributed before the start of the coming session for which the token payment of around Rs300 from each girl has already been collected.

But the bicycles could not be distributed as the code of conduct was enforced during the state Assembly elections. Subsequently, the bicycles were parked on the Navin Higher Secondary School premises in Alwar. The distribution was further delayed as the Congress government after coming in power objected to the saffron colour of the bicycles.

Now, the frames of the bicycles have been sent to the Atlas company in Sonepat (Haryana) where they will be painted black. To carry out this work soon, many of the workers from Alwar are also working with the workers
in Sonepat.

District education officer (secondary education) said around 800-900 bicycles have already been sent to Alwar to be painted black. “The work of painting all the bicycles black will be completed by the month-end,” he added. As soon as the government issues orders, the distribution of the bicycles would start.