Fri Nov 08 13:58:03 UTC 2024: ## Tamil Nadu Minister Launches Free Bicycle Distribution and New Buses in Salem

**Salem, Tamil Nadu:** Tourism Minister R. Rajendran on Friday launched the distribution of free bicycles to students in Salem district, highlighting the state government’s commitment to education. The Minister flagged off the scheme at Karuppur Government Higher Secondary School, where 136 students received their bicycles.

Rajendran emphasized that Tamil Nadu leads the nation in various sectors due to the focus on education and healthcare by Chief Minister M.K. Stalin. He also highlighted the significant funding allocated to the School Education Department in the past three years, including the “Tamil Pudhalvan” and “Pudhumai Penn Thittam” programs which provide monthly assistance of ₹1,000 to students.

The Minister also inaugurated 15 classrooms and laboratories at Edappadi Government Boys Higher Secondary School, six classrooms each at Panankattur and Pagalpatti Government Higher Secondary Schools, and four classrooms at Maniyanoor Government Higher Secondary School through video conferencing with the Chief Minister.

Rajendran further announced that a total of 26,274 students in Salem district will receive bicycles worth ₹12.43 crore under the free bicycle scheme for the academic year 2024–25. Distribution for Plus One students commenced on October 29.

The Minister also flagged off six new BS-VI buses at Salem New Bus Stand, replacing older vehicles as part of the government’s initiative to modernize public transportation. This brings the total number of BS-VI buses in Salem to 91, including 15 town buses and 76 mofussil buses. The event was attended by District Collector R. Brindha Devi, Mayor A. Ramachandran, MLA R. Arul, and other officials.

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