What this scheme offers
Launched in 2015 and one of the largest programmes of its kind anywhere in India, Sabooj Sathi has put over 1.2 crore free bicycles into the hands of West Bengal students. The logic is straightforward: a student in Class 9 who has to walk several kilometres each way to the nearest secondary school is at real risk of dropping out, and that risk falls hardest on girls in rural areas. Every student — regardless of gender — at a government, government-aided, or madrasah school gets one bicycle, distributed through the school itself rather than requiring a separate application process.
Who is eligible
- Enrolled in Class 9, 10, 11, or 12 at a government, government-aided, or madrasah school in West Bengal.
- Permanent resident of West Bengal.
- No income restriction — universal for eligible students regardless of category.
Documents required
- School enrollment/admission proof
- Aadhaar card, where required by the school for record-keeping
How to apply
- No separate individual application is typically needed — schools compile the list of eligible students each academic year.
- Confirm with your school administration that you're on the eligible list.
- Bicycles are distributed directly through the school in phases.
- Check distribution status through the school or the wbsaboojsathi.gov.in portal if you haven't received yours.
- If eligible but overlooked, raise it with your school's headmaster or the District Education Office.