Under the state government's Mai Bhago Scheme, cabinet minister Surjeet Singh Rakhra distributed free cycles on Saturday to the needed students in village Fategarh Channa and Talwandi Malik in the district.
Addressing the gathering, Rakhra said that government had started the scheme in May 2010 to encourage students toward studies and to put a check on the number of girls leaving studies before completion.
"Higher education for girls is a must for the development of the state as well as the nation, and Punjab government is committed to go ahead with such initiatives", he said.
Rakhra awarded Bindu Kaur for securing 80% in class 10, while lauded Harwinder Kaur for her achievements at national level boxing championships. Both the students were presented mementos and certificates.
Meanwhile, Rakhra also handed over a cheque of Rs 2.28 lakh to the principal of Government Senior Secondary School, Fatehgarh Channa.