RBL Bank seeks to give away 1,800 more bicycles by the middle of 2025 with a particular focus on the states of Bihar and Jharkhand, where more than 40% of girls discontinue their education. A test program will integrate GPS technology into bicycles to monitor their usage distribution and guarantee resources get distributed to the communities that need them most. 

RBL Bank collaborates with state transport departments to develop exclusive cycling routes near educational institutions in high-risk regions for greater security purposes. The bank also aims to collaborate with local NGOs to train mechanics in rural communities, ensuring long-term maintenance support. 

Awareness campaigns leveraging regional radio stations and street plays will highlight success stories, such as a Goa student who cycled her way to a college scholarship. 

Partnerships between the bank and the Goa CSR Authority are being developed to unite UMEED with ongoing midday meal programs which will deliver complete educational support to retain females in educational environments. 

A tribal bicycle library system will become operational across all tribal regions by 2026, thus enabling multiple students to use bicycles during different shifts of school operations. The combination of implementation actions and policy advocacy for gender-supportive infrastructure serves to develop UMEED into a national standard for equitable schooling.  

The Challenge of Distance in Girls’ Education

Goa’s picturesque villages often lack reliable public transport. In areas like Harvale and Sanquelim, schools are frequently 5–7 kilometres from homes—a distance that becomes insurmountable for families unable to afford private vehicles. 

Girls, tasked with household chores, are disproportionately affected. Many parents prioritize their sons’ education, fearing for their daughter’s safety during long walks on isolated roads.  

When girls leave school early, the consequences extend beyond individual futures. Many dropouts often lead to early marriages, limiting economic mobility and perpetuating intergenerational poverty.  

The UMEED Initiative: Giving Girls the Freedom to Learn

The UMEED initiative views bicycles as more than transport vehicles because they provide empowerment assistance. The bicycles cut down travel duration by 70% so girls can attend school steadily and securely. Designed for durability, the cycles include features like reinforced carriers for books and baskets for personal items, catering to the needs of students navigating uneven village roads.   

Beyond transportation, UMEED provides school kits containing notebooks, stationery, and hygiene products. These kits address indirect costs that often deter low-income families from sending daughters to school. Since 2023, the initiative has distributed 4,835 bicycles nationally, with Goa marking its 10th state-level intervention.  

The Goa Distribution Event: Community and Collaboration

On January 15, 2025, 200 girls gathered at Ravindra Bhavan in Sanquelim, their excitement palpable. The event, attended by Goa’s Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant and education director Shailesh Zingde, highlighted the collaboration between government bodies and private sector leaders. Each bicycle was handed over with a helmet and a maintenance guide, emphasizing safety and longevity.  

While formal quotes were avoided, conversations with attendees revealed optimism. One mother shared, “My daughter used to leave home at 6 a.m. to reach school by foot. Now, she’ll have time to study and help me before classes.” Teachers noted improved attendance rates in pilot districts where bicycles were introduced earlier.  

Beyond Goa: UMEED’s National Impact

From Rajasthan’s arid villages to Assam’s flood-prone regions, UMEED adapts to local challenges. In Odisha, bicycles distributed in 2023 led to a 22% increase in girl student enrollment. The program also partners with NGOs to conduct safety workshops, teaching girls basic repair skills and road safety measures.   

By replacing motorized transport with bicycles, UMEED reduces carbon emissions—each bike saves approximately 0.5 tons of CO2 annually. Additionally, the initiative fosters community engagement, with local leaders volunteering as “bicycle ambassadors” to advocate for girls’ education.  

Impact Created

The UMEED initiative has already begun reshaping educational access for girls in Goa and beyond. The distribution of more than four thousand bicycles launched in 2023 throughout India resulted in documented reductions in school dropouts throughout rural areas. 

The number of girls attending classes in Goa increased by 25% based on early data while students' parents reported fewer school-day absences because of transportation issues. The bike distribution program has cut down school travel times for girls while providing them with additional resources for extracurricular activities besides study sessions. 

Teachers in Sanquelim observed that students with bicycles are more likely to continue into higher grades, breaking cycles of early marriage and limited opportunities. The program reduces economic stress on families since it saves approximately ₹800–1,200 each month, which is used to pay for auto-rickshaws and bus fares. 

Cycling provides health advantages to users because it strengthens their physical endurance and cuts down on absence due to fatigue. Fundamental changes occur within communities since both boys and local leaders participate in bicycle maintenance workshops with girls to promote teamwork and fight against gender norms.

Wrapping Up

The UMEED initiative by RBL Bank is not just about providing bicycles—it’s about transforming lives. By addressing the critical challenge of distance, the program empowers girls to continue their education, breaking cycles of early dropout and limited opportunities. With plans to expand in Bihar and Jharkhand, where dropout rates are high, UMEED is making a lasting impact on rural education.

Beyond mobility, the initiative promotes safety, sustainability, and long-term community engagement. GPS tracking, designated cycling routes, mechanic training, and awareness campaigns ensure that the program remains effective and accessible. Collaborations with local governments and NGOs strengthen its reach, creating a supportive ecosystem for girls' education.

More than a CSR initiative, UMEED is a movement that challenges societal norms and promotes gender equality. By reducing financial burdens, improving school attendance, and fostering independence, it is reshaping the future for thousands of students. As the initiative grows, bicycles become more than just a mode of transport—they symbolize freedom, opportunity, and a brighter future for young girls across India.