Chennai: The Tamil Nadu government will distribute free bicycles to over 5.37 lakh Class 11 students studying in government and government-aided schools during the current academic year under its flagship welfare scheme.

The scheme, implemented through the Backward Classes Welfare Department, has been allocated ₹193.06 crore this year to benefit students from the Backward Classes, Most Backward Classes, and Scheduled Castes.

In addition, ₹80 crore has been earmarked to provide bicycles to Adi Dravidar, Tribal, and Christian Adi Dravidar students.

The department has floated tenders for procuring the bicycles, which will bear the official logo of the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister's Bicycle Distribution Scheme for 2025-26.

The initiative is aimed at reducing school dropouts and supporting students from economically weaker sections by ensuring access to transportation.