Sabooj Sathi Scheme: WB Govt To Give Free Cycles Again to 13 Lakh Students! Who gets them and when?

The West Bengal government is kicking off a new phase of its Sabooj Sathi scheme. They're planning to give free cycles to nearly 13 lakh students. 

2 Min read

Author : Richa Barua

Published : Feb 26 2026, 11:55 AM IST

Share this Photo Gallery

FB
TW
Linkdin
Whatsapp
GNFollow Us

Image Credit : stockPhoto

West Bengal Government to Distribute Free Bicycles

The Mamata Banerjee government has made a big announcement for school students. They've decided to give free bicycles to nearly 13 lakh (12.56 lakh) students from government and government-aided schools and madrasas.

Add Asianet Newsable as a Preferred Source

Image Credit : ANI

West Bengal Government to Distribute Free Bicycles

Nabanna wants to complete this massive cycle distribution drive before the 2026 West Bengal Assembly election schedule is announced.

Mamata Banerjee unveils Jain Stambh, hails Bhawanipur as 'mini-India'

Mamata Banerjee deeply shocked by demise of 'comrade-in-arms' Mukul Roy

Image Credit : Asianet News

West Bengal Government to Distribute Free Bicycles

According to administrative sources, this new phase of the 'Sabuj Sathi' scheme will give cycles to Class 9 students. The government has set a target to distribute a total of 12.56 lakh cycles, which will cost the state exchequer around ₹507 crore.

Image Credit : Asianet News

West Bengal Government to Distribute Free Bicycles

The government has given the responsibility of buying these cycles to the West Bengal Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes Development and Finance Corporation (WBSCSTOBCDFC). The corporation has already started the tender process to procure nearly 15 lakh cycles, which will be delivered to the block level within the deadline.

Image Credit : stockPhoto

West Bengal Government to Distribute Free Bicycles

This scheme was the brainchild of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjeeand started in the 2015-16 academic year. The CM herself designed the project's logo, which you can see on the basket of every cycle. So far, more than 1.44 crore students in the state have benefited from this scheme.

Image Credit : our own

West Bengal Government to Distribute Free Bicycles

The main goal of the project is to get students to attend secondary school and reduce dropouts. It also aims to boost the confidence and mobility of girls, especially in rural and remote areas. The scheme has even received a world-class WSIS Award from UNICEF and the United Nations.

Image Credit : ANI

West Bengal Government to Distribute Free Bicycles

Political analysts believe the government is determined to finish the distribution before the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) for the 2026 Assembly elections kicks in. The target is to distribute most of the cycles by February, and District Magistrates have already received instructions. Currently, around 9,000 schools in the state are covered by this project.

Image Credit : Asianet News

West Bengal Government to Distribute Free Bicycles

The 'Sabuj Sathi' scheme has truly brought a revolution in transport for rural Bengal. The statistics clearly show that it is playing a big role in encouraging students to pursue higher education and building a healthier society.

Stay updated with the Breaking News Today and Latest News from across India and around the world. Get real-time updates, in-depth analysis, and comprehensive coverage of India News, World News, Indian Defence News, Kerala News, and Karnataka News. From politics to current affairs, follow every major story as it unfolds. Get real-time updates from IMDon major cities weather forecasts, including Rain alerts, Cyclonewarnings, and temperature trends. Download the Asianet News Official App from the Android Play Store and iPhone App Store for accurate and timely news updates anytime, anywhere.

About the Author

Richa Barua

With over two decades of experience in top media outlets like Times of India, International Business Times, and India Today, Richa currently leads Newsable and MyNation (Entertainment and Lifestyle) non-news team at Asianet News Network. Her expertise includes celebrity interviews, audience growth, and content strategy, backed by an Executive Program in Digital Marketing from IIM Calcutta, along with a journalism degree from Delhi University, a master's in media studies and corporate communications.

Sabooj Sathi Scheme: WB Govt To Give Free Cycles Again to 13 Lakh Students! Who gets them and when?

The West Bengal government is kicking off a new phase of its Sabooj Sathi scheme. They're planning to give free cycles to nearly 13 lakh students.&nbsp;

West Bengal Government to Distribute Free Bicycles

West Bengal Government to Distribute Free Bicycles

Related Articles

West Bengal Government to Distribute Free Bicycles

West Bengal Government to Distribute Free Bicycles

West Bengal Government to Distribute Free Bicycles

West Bengal Government to Distribute Free Bicycles

West Bengal Government to Distribute Free Bicycles

West Bengal Government to Distribute Free Bicycles

About the Author

The West Bengal government is kicking off a new phase of its Sabooj Sathi scheme. They're planning to give free cycles to nearly 13 lakh students.