Sabooj Sathi Scheme

A scheme for distribution of bi-cycles to students of class IX to XII studying in Govt. run and Govt. aided Schools and Madrashas of the State of West Bengal.

Name of the Department: Backward Classes Welfare Department

Purpose of the project: Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee flagged off a unique scheme Sabooj Sathi from Jangalmahal in 2015. Under this scheme 70 lac students of the state studying between Class IX and Class XII in government/ government recognised regular schools/ madrasahs or equivalent got cycles for commuting to schools. The project was christened as ‘Sabooj Sathi’ by Chief Minister herself and the logo was also drawn by her. The project has been introduced to reduce the number of school drop-outs.

Backward Classes Welfare Department is the nodal Department of this project. Scheduled Caste and Tribal welfare and finance Corporation under this department serves as the nodal agency. Steering committee formed with secretaries and senior officers of different departments directs the project. S.D.O.s, B.D.O.s and Executive officers of Municipalities serve as the nodal officers in district level.

Three reputed cycle manufacturers viz. Hero, TI Cycles and Avon have been selected to supply the cycles as recommended by Intra-departmental tender committee. The whole project is executed through e-governance. With the help of NIC an exclusive website has been introduced for the purpose – http://www.wbsaboojsathi.gov.in. The project has created waves and is very popular among the students.

Who can apply: Students between Class IX and Class XII in government/ government recognised regular schools/ madrasahs or equivalent.

Contact: Head of applicant’s educational institute.