Sabuj Sathi Scheme West Bengal: Free Bicycle for Class 9-12 Students

Sabuj Sathi (Green Companion) is a flagship education scheme of the West Bengal government that provides free bicycles to students of Class 9 to 12 studying in government and government-aided schools. Launched in 2015, the scheme has distributed over 1 crore bicycles to students across the state, making it one of the largest bicycle distribution programmes in India.

What is Sabuj Sathi?

"Sabuj Sathi" means "Green Companion" in Bengali. The scheme aims to reduce school dropout rates by providing free bicycles to students who often walk long distances to attend school. The bicycles are distributed directly to students through their schools, not as cash transfers.

Key Features

Who is Eligible?

• Must be enrolled in Class 9, 10, 11, or 12 in a government, government-aided, or recognised school in West Bengal
• Must be a resident of West Bengal
• Both boys and girls are eligible
• One bicycle per student — students who received a bicycle in Class 9 don't get another in subsequent classes
• Students from all economic backgrounds are eligible (no income criterion)

Documents Required

• School enrolment proof / student ID card
• Aadhaar card of the student
• Photograph of the student

Note: Most documentation is handled by the school. Students primarily need to be enrolled and verified by the school.

Step-by-Step Process

How Bicycles Are Distributed

The Sabuj Sathi scheme is administered through schools, not through individual applications:

1. School Registration: Schools register on the Sabuj Sathi portal (Banglar Shiksha platform)
2. Student Data Upload: School uploads the list of eligible students with details
3. Verification: Data is verified by the District Inspector of Schools
4. Bicycle Procurement: The government procures bicycles from approved manufacturers
5. Distribution: Bicycles are distributed to students through their schools in organised ceremonies
6. Acknowledgement: Students sign an acknowledgement receipt upon receiving the bicycle

What Students/Parents Should Do

1. Ensure the student is enrolled in a recognised school
2. Provide Aadhaar card and photographs to the school when requested
3. Confirm with the school that the student's name is in the distribution list
4. Attend the distribution event at the school to receive the bicycle
5. Sign the acknowledgement receipt

Check Distribution Status

Visit wbsabujsathi.gov.in to check the distribution status for your district and school.

Fees

The scheme is completely free. Students receive bicycles at no cost.

Distribution Timeline

• Schools submit data at the beginning of the academic session
• Bicycle distribution typically happens within 3-6 months of the academic session start
• Distribution schedules vary by district

Important Tips

1. The bicycle is a physical distribution, not a cash transfer — unlike Bihar's Cycle Yojana
2. Maintain the bicycle — it is your personal property after distribution
3. Only first-time recipients get bicycles — if you received one in Class 9, you won't get another in Class 11
4. Private school students may also be eligible if the school is recognised and registered on the portal
5. Report non-distribution to the District Inspector of Schools if your school is not distributing bicycles

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Do I get money or a physical bicycle?

You receive a physical bicycle, not cash. The bicycle is distributed through your school.

Q2: Can college students avail this scheme?

No, the scheme is only for students in Class 9 to 12 in schools. College students are not eligible.

Q3: What brand of bicycle is distributed?

The government procures bicycles from approved manufacturers. The brand may vary by year and region.

Q4: Can a student who received a cycle in Class 9 get another in Class 11?

No, each student receives only one bicycle under the scheme, typically when they first become eligible (entering Class 9).

Q5: Is the scheme available in Kolkata?

Yes, the scheme covers all districts of West Bengal including Kolkata.

Q6: What if my school is not distributing bicycles?

Check with the school administration whether they have registered on the Sabuj Sathi portal. If not, approach the District Inspector of Schools (DI) or Block Development Officer.

Q7: Can I apply individually without school involvement?

No, the scheme works only through schools. Your school must register and submit your details on the portal.

Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. CitizenNest is an independent platform and is not affiliated with the West Bengal government. Visit wbsabujsathi.gov.in for official information.

Related: See our Bihar Cycle Yojana guide for Bihar's similar bicycle scheme.