A Life-Changing Gift
GYALSHING, Sikkim: Until last month, 18-year-old Sristi Darjee woke up at 4 a.m. every day to walk 10 kilometers to her college in the hilly terrain of Gyalshing. The journey took nearly two hours each way, leaving her exhausted before classes began.
But on September 12, her life took a dramatic turn. Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang handed her the keys to a brand-new scooty—a simple yet transformative solution to her daily struggle.
“I couldn’t believe it,” Srishti told “Now, I reach college in 20 minutes. I have time to study, eat properly, and even help my father at home.”
This single act has sparked a statewide conversation about how small, targeted interventions can keep students in school—and why transportation remains one of the most significant barriers to education in remote regions.
The Hidden Crisis: When Distance Keeps Kids Out of School
Sikkim’s rugged landscape makes access to education a major challenge. According to a 2022 state education report, nearly 15% of rural Sikkim students regularly miss school due to transportation issues, with dropout rates peaking in grades 9–12.
In districts like Gyalshing, Namchi, and Ravangla, students often trek through steep, unpaved paths—sometimes in dangerous weather. Girls face additional risks, including safety concerns and cultural pressures to stay home.
“Many parents pull their daughters out of school because they fear the long, isolated walks,” said Tenzing Bhutia, a Sanchaman Limboo Government Degree College teacher. “A reliable mode of transport can mean the difference between graduation and dropping out.”
The Scooty Initiative: More Than Just a Gesture
Chief Minister Tamang’s decision to gift Sristi a scooty wasn’t random. It reflects a broader government effort to tackle education inequality.
- Budget Priority: Sikkim allocates 20% of its annual budget to education, one of the highest rates in India.
- Girl Child Schemes: Programs like Prerna Yojana provide financial aid to female students, but transportation remains a gap.
- Direct Impact: Since 2020, over 200 students in remote areas have received bicycles or scooters through local government initiatives.
“No child should have to choose between safety and education,” CM Tamang said at the handover ceremony. “This is just the beginning.”
Ripple Effects: How One Scooty Inspired a Movement
Sristi’s story has gone viral in Sikkim, encouraging other students to speak up.
- Student Advocacy: In Namchi, high schoolers petitioned local leaders for a shuttle service after hearing about Sristi.
- Community Support: Village councils in Ravangla are now discussing pooled funds for student transportation.
- Government Response: The Sikkim Education Department has promised to expand the scooty program to 50 more students this year.
“If the CM can help one girl, why can’t we help more?” asked Pema Lhamu, a parent from Hee-Martam.
Challenges: Is This Enough?
While the initiative has been praised, experts warn that deeper issues remain.
- Cost Barriers: A single scooty costs around ₹60,000—too expensive for mass distribution without subsidies.
- Infrastructure Gaps: Many villages lack proper roads, making two-wheelers impractical in monsoon seasons.
- Long-Term Solutions: Some argue for better public transport or hostels near schools instead of individual vehicles.
“A scooty helps, but we also need safer roads and more schools in remote areas,” said an education policy researcher, Dr. Anjali Rai.
Learning from Others: What Works?
Sikkim isn’t the first place to use transportation as a tool for education.
- Assam’s Bicycle Scheme: Since 2004, the state has distributed over 1 million bicycles to girls, cutting dropout rates by 11%.
- Rajasthan’s Bus Initiative: Free buses for rural students increased attendance by 18% in five years.
“Proven models exist,” said education activist Rohit Sharma. “Sikkim can scale this up with the right partnerships.”
Final Thought
As Srishti zips through Gyalshing’s hills, her story proves that education isn’t just about classrooms and textbooks. It’s about removing obstacles—one scooter at a time.
“If you want to keep kids in school,” says CM Tamang, “you have to help them get there first.”
