Chandigarh, Sep 24 : With an aim to earn public goodwill ahead of state elections, Punjab Chief Minister Prakash Singh Badal has resolved to give free bicycles to high school students.

Talking to reporters here, Badal said: "All students of higher secondary schools will be given (bicycle for free) because they have to travel, often four to five miles, to reach their schools. How can they can go on foot? Generally poor people study in village schools."

Meanwhile, referring to the re-arrest of 17 Indian youths in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), he assured that he would speak to central government in this regard.

"I will like to say that the effective steps can only be taken the Central Government as far relationship with other countries is concerned. The Punjab government will convey its views to the Central government. Yes, I will write to the Central Government," added Badal.

The immigrants from Punjab were awarded death sentence for murdering a Pakistani national Mishri Khan (35) in January 2009 after a group clash but it was commuted by Sharjah Appellate court on September 12.
(ANI)