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.
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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.
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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.
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
