At a small government school in Bareilly, teacher Dr Laxmikant Shukla has drawn attention for an unusual initiative to improve student attendance. During the 2025–26 academic session, he promised students that anyone who attended school every single day without absence would receive a bicycle purchased from his own salary.
By the end of the session, eight students achieved perfect attendance and were gifted brand-new cycles by their teacher. The idea also had a wider impact: enrolment reportedly increased from 94 to 110 students and overall attendance crossed 80%.
Education observers say the initiative reflects how grassroots efforts by committed teachers can complement government programmes designed to improve access to schooling, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas where distance and lack of motivation often keep children away from classrooms.
Pedalling Towards Better Attendance
For years, teachers at the government school struggled with irregular attendance. Some students missed classes because the school was far from their homes, while others gradually lost interest in studies due to limited resources or motivation. In response, Dr Shukla decided to try a simple but powerful incentive: he announced that any student who managed perfect attendance throughout the academic year would receive a bicycle.
The idea quickly captured the imagination of students and parents alike. Over the course of the 2025–26 session, eight children attended school every single day without taking leave. True to his promise, the teacher personally purchased and distributed bicycles to each of them.
Beyond the eight students who earned the reward, the initiative created a ripple effect across the school. Parents began encouraging their children to attend classes regularly, and students reportedly became more enthusiastic about coming to school. As word spread through the community, enrolment rose from 94 to 110 students, while the school’s overall attendance climbed above 80%.
Such improvements are significant in many government schools where maintaining regular attendance remains a persistent challenge. In several regions, long travel distances, limited transportation options and socio-economic pressures often prevent children from attending school consistently. In that context, a bicycle can serve not just as an incentive but also as a practical solution to the problem of commuting.
A Broader Challenge in School Education
Across India, governments and civil society organisations have often turned to bicycle distribution programmes as a way to improve access to education. In several states, bicycles have been provided to students who live far from school to help them commute safely and consistently. For example, some state initiatives have distributed bicycles to hundreds of thousands of students travelling long distances, highlighting how mobility can play a key role in improving educational participation.
Bareilly itself has witnessed various education-related initiatives and discussions around attendance and school participation in recent years. Authorities have periodically emphasised stricter monitoring of student attendance in educational institutions, reflecting the broader concern about ensuring that children remain connected to formal schooling.
Within this larger landscape, Dr Shukla’s initiative stands out because it was not part of a government scheme but a personal decision taken by a teacher who wanted to motivate his students. According to people familiar with the school, this is not the first time he has tried to make the learning environment more supportive.
He has previously arranged winter jackets for students who struggled during cold months and introduced technology-enabled teaching methods to make lessons more engaging. These efforts, though modest, have gradually helped transform the atmosphere of the school, making it more welcoming and inspiring for children who might otherwise drift away from education.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
In discussions about improving public education, attention often focuses on policy reforms, budgets, or infrastructure. While these are undeniably important, stories like this remind us that the human element in education can be just as powerful. One teacher’s willingness to think creatively and invest his own resources has not only motivated students but also strengthened the bond between the school and the community it serves.
At a time when many classrooms struggle with disengagement, such acts demonstrate how empathy, initiative and personal commitment can make education more meaningful for young learners. When students see that their teacher genuinely cares about their growth and well-being, it can ignite a sense of responsibility and belonging that no rulebook can enforce.
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