By SK Jabedul Haque | Published on CurrentAffair.Today | Govt Schemes
What is Sabooj Sathi Scheme?
The Sabooj Sathi Scheme is a flagship student welfare programme launched by the West Bengal Government in September 2015 to provide free bicycles to students enrolled in Classes IX to XII in government and government-aided schools. The scheme aims to reduce school dropout rates — particularly among girls — by improving access to schools in rural and semi-urban areas.
Key Benefits:
- ✅ Free bicycle for Class IX to XII students
- ✅ Over 70 lakh beneficiaries since 2015
- ✅ 15 lakh new cycles targeted for distribution annually
- ✅ Kanyashree integration — automatic priority for girl students
- ✅ Top brands: Hero, TI Cycles, Avon
- ✅ Branded green for easy identification
Related West Bengal schemes: Yogyashree Scheme (free JEE/NEET coaching), Banglar Yuva Sathi Yojana (₹1,500/month for unemployed youth), and Lakshmir Bhandar (₹1,500–₹1,700/month for women).
Sabooj Sathi Scheme 2026 — Key Details
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| New Cycles Targeted | 15 lakh bicycles per year |
| Total Beneficiaries (Since 2015) | 70+ lakh students |
| Portal | wbsaboojsathi.gov.in |
| Main Distribution Phase | July – September each year |
| Helpline | 1800-345-5505 |
Eligibility Criteria
Primary Requirements
- ✅ Enrolled in Class IX in a government or government-aided school
- ✅ Valid school enrolment proof
- ✅ Permanent resident of West Bengal
Priority Categories
- Kanyashree Prakalpa beneficiaries (automatic priority)
- Girl students (50%+ reservation)
- SC/ST students
- Students from remote or underserved areas
Not Eligible
- Students in private unaided schools
- Students who already received bicycle under same scheme
- Dropout students
Documents Required
| Document | Purpose |
|---|---|
| School ID Card | Enrollment proof |
| Aadhaar Card | Identity verification |
| Domicile Certificate | West Bengal resident proof |
| Kanyashree ID | If applicable — for automatic priority |
| Passport-size Photo | Recent photograph |
| Parent/Guardian ID | Verification of family details |
How the Application Process Works
Note: Students cannot apply directly online. The entire process runs through the school and block administration.
Step 1: School Verification
The school headmaster or headmistress identifies eligible Class IX students and prepares the preliminary list, giving priority to Kanyashree beneficiaries.
Step 2: Online Submission via School Login
The school logs in at wbsaboojsathi.gov.in using its official credentials and uploads the student list with supporting documents.
Step 3: Block-Level Verification
The Block Development Officer (BDO) verifies the submitted list and conducts physical document checks where required.
Step 4: Final Approval
The District Magistrate approves the final list, which is published on the official portal.
Step 5: Bicycle Distribution
Cycles are distributed at the school or block level between July and September — the main distribution phase each year.
How to Check Your Name in the Beneficiary List
- Visit wbsaboojsathi.gov.in
- Click "Beneficiary Search"
- Select your District → Block → School
- Search your name in the list
- Download the PDF for your records
Portal Features at wbsaboojsathi.gov.in
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| School Login | For schools to upload/manage student data |
| Beneficiary Search | Students can check if their name is in the approved list |
| List Download | District and block-wise beneficiary PDFs available |
| Grievance Redressal | Online complaint registration for missing names or issues |
| Kanyashree Integration | Kanyashree beneficiary status automatically reflected |
Cycle Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Brand | Hero, TI Cycles, Avon |
| Color | Green — scheme identification colour |
| Frame | Durable steel |
| Wheel Size | 26-inch standard |
| Accessories | Bell, reflectors, carrier |
| Warranty | 1 year with authorised service centres |
Kanyashree Integration
| Integration Point | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Automatic Enrollment | Kanyashree beneficiaries auto-included in Sabooj Sathi list |
| Priority Distribution | Girl students receive bicycles before other eligible students |
| Combined Benefit Value | Over ₹10,000 total (₹1,000 Kanyashree stipend + cycle worth ₹3,500+) |
| Portal Sync | Kanyashree status visible directly on the Sabooj Sathi portal |
Annual Distribution Timeline
| Phase | Period | Activity |
|---|---|---|
| Phase 1 | January – March | Student verification and school portal updates |
| Phase 2 | April – June | Final list preparation, BDO verification |
| Phase 3 | July – September | Main bicycle distribution phase |
| Phase 4 | October – December | Grievance redressal, pending cases |
Sabooj Sathi vs Free Bicycle Schemes in Other States
| State | Scheme | Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| West Bengal | Sabooj Sathi | All govt school students Class IX–XII (70+ lakh) |
| Bihar | Cycle Yojana | Girls only |
| Tamil Nadu | Free Bicycle Scheme | Government school students |
| Karnataka | Bicycle Subsidy | Partial subsidy only |
Administration Structure
| Level | Authority | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|
| State | School Education Department | Policy & fund allocation |
| District | District Magistrate (DM) | Overall coordination and final approval |
| Block | Block Development Officer (BDO) | Verification & distribution |
| School | Headmaster/Headmistress | Student enrolment and data upload |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I apply for Sabooj Sathi online by myself?
No. Applications are processed through schools only. Speak with your school headmaster — they submit the student list via the official school login portal.
Q2: When is the Sabooj Sathi beneficiary list published?
The first-quarter list is typically published by March. Bicycle distribution begins in July.
Q3: Do Kanyashree beneficiaries automatically receive a bicycle?
Yes. Kanyashree beneficiaries are automatically included in the Sabooj Sathi list with priority status — no separate application needed.
Q4: My name is not in the list. What should I do?
Contact your school headmaster immediately with your documents. You can also approach the Block Development Office (BDO) or register a grievance on the official portal.
Q5: Is the bicycle free?
Yes — completely free for all eligible students. There is no charge at any stage of the process.
Q6: Can students from private schools apply?
No. Only students enrolled in government and government-aided schools in West Bengal are eligible.
Q7: How do I reset the school login password?
Contact your Block Education Officer (BEO) or use the "Forgot Password" option on wbsaboojsathi.gov.in with the school's registered mobile number.
Contact Information
| Office | Contact |
|---|---|
| School Education Department, WB | 033-2214-5000 |
| District Magistrate Office | Respective district numbers |
| Block Development Office (BDO) | Local block office |
| Helpline | 1800-345-5505 |
| Official Portal | wbsaboojsathi.gov.in |
Related West Bengal Schemes
- Yogyashree Scheme 2026 — Free JEE/NEET coaching with ₹300/month stipend
- Banglar Yuva Sathi Yojana — ₹1,500/month for unemployed youth aged 21–40
- Lakshmir Bhandar Scheme — ₹1,500–₹1,700/month for eligible women
- Karmashree / Mahatmashree — 50–100 days guaranteed rural employment
- Samudra Sathi Scheme — ₹10,000 for fishermen during the fishing ban