Local Self Government Minister M.B. Rajesh on Tuesday said that the electric bicycle (e-cycle) initiative was the first significant step towards making Kerala a carbon-neutral State.
He was inaugurating the district-level distribution of e-cycles under a joint project on the Local Self Government department, Energy department, and Union Ministry of Rural Development.
Addressing the function held at the Kannur district panchayat auditorium, the Minister said the project aimed to not only reduce carbon emissions but also empower women, especially Kudumbashree members, by improving their mobility, reducing travel cost, and promoting entrepreneurship.
“The e-cycle project will significantly improve the quality of life of women. It is a move towards sustainable development with social impact,” he said.
The project, which forms part of the Carbon Neutral Kerala initiative, involves distributing e-cycles to 350 Kudumbashree members in 71 rural community development societies in Kannur. Each e-cycle, valued at ₹40,000 is being given by collecting a beneficiary share of ₹3,000.
Minister for Registration, Museum and Archaeology Ramachandran Kadannappally, who presided over the function, said Kerala had always been quick to adapt to change. “e-Cycles will become a transformative project, setting an example in green mobility,” he said.
Published – July 02, 2025 12:51 am IST
