Patna: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar yesterday said that the bicycle scheme had given an impetus to girls’ education as reflected in their outstanding performance in the matriculation examination, in which a Patna girl named Shalini Kumari emerged as the joint topper.

Girls had taken up education in right earnest since the State government launched the bicycle scheme for them a few years ago, he said felicitating Kumari at her residence in Phulwarisharif locality in the State capital.

Observing that there was no shortage of talent in the State, Kumar said the government was committed to providing incentives to students to help them succeed.

Noting that the enrollment rate in schools had increased during the NDA rule, he said the state government was committed to achieving cent per cent target in school enrollment.

The authorities should ensure that once a child joined a school for studies, he/she should leave it only on completion of education, the chief minister said.

Kumar also directed the officials to set up a ‘Bal Parishad’ comprising the first and second toppers in the matriculation examination over the past five years. Regular interactive meetings should be held by the HRD minister and officials with the students for ensuring quality education.

The Chief Minister also gave a cheque for Rs 15,000 and a laptop to Kumari and wished her well for her future career.