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WB Sarathi Portal 2026: West Bengal has introduced a new name and some changes to its school bicycle distribution programme. The earlier Sabuj Sathi scheme has been rebranded as the Sarathi Scheme, with the state government announcing that 12.59 lakh students will receive bicycles during the 2026-27 financial year.
The announcement was made on September 29, 2026, at a bicycle distribution programme held at Madhusudan Pal Chowdhury High School in Bantra, Howrah. One of the major changes announced is that students will be eligible for bicycles from Class 8 instead of Class 9.
WB Sarathi Portal:Â What Is the Sarathi Scheme?
The Sarathi Scheme is the rebranded version of West Bengal’s earlier Sabuj Sathi bicycle distribution programme. The programme is intended to provide bicycles to school students and make travelling to educational institutions easier.
According to reports, the government plans to distribute bicycles to 12.59 lakh students during 2026-27.
The programme was formally launched in Howrah on September 29.
Major Change: Students From Class 8 Will Get Bicycles
One of the key announcements under the Sarathi Scheme 2026 is the change in the class level.
Previously, bicycles under the Sabuj Sathi programme were generally distributed to eligible students from Class 9. Under the new announcement, students will receive bicycles from Class 8.
This means that students entering Class 8 will be included in the expanded bicycle distribution programme from the next academic cycle.
WB Sarathi Portal: Sarathi Scheme 2026 at a Glance
| Details | Information |
| Scheme name | Sarathi |
| Earlier name | Sabuj Sathi |
| State | West Bengal |
| Beneficiaries | 12.59 lakh students |
| New class level announced | Class 8 |
| Earlier class level | Class 9 |
| Launch location | Madhusudan Pal Chowdhury High School, Howrah |
| Launch date | September 29, 2026 |
| Financial year | 2026-27 |
| Bicycle distribution | Free for eligible students |
12.59 Lakh Students to Benefit
The state government has announced bicycles for approximately 12.59 lakh students during the 2026-27 financial year. Different reports have described the bicycle programme as having an estimated value of around Rs.508 crore.
Separately, reports quoting the Chief Minister state that Rs.300 crore has been allocated as a composite grant for schools under the Sarathi scheme. These two figures refer to different aspects of the programme and should not automatically be treated as the same allocation.
Official Website of Sarathi Portal: https://sarathi.webstep.in/v2/
New Bicycle Design and Quality Checks
The government has also announced changes concerning the bicycles themselves.
According to The Statesman and UNI, the new bicycles will be saffron in colour and will undergo a three-tier quality assessment. Attention has also reportedly been given to components such as tyres, lights and road safety.
The government has also announced plans to facilitate bicycle manufacturing in Howrah, including providing land for a manufacturing facility.
WB Sarathi Portal: Why Is the Scheme Important for Students?
For many school students, particularly those travelling from villages and semi-urban areas, cycling can provide an affordable way to travel to school.
The bicycle programme can help students:
- Travel to school more easily
- Reduce daily transportation difficulties
- Improve access to educational institutions
- Support regular school attendance
- Make commuting more convenient for students living farther from school
These are the practical reasons why bicycle distribution programmes are linked with school access and continuation of education.
Sabuj Sathi vs Sarathi: What Has Changed?
The main changes announced in 2026 can be summarised as follows:
Sabuj Sathi: The earlier name of the school bicycle distribution programme.
Sarathi: The new name announced by the West Bengal government.
Class level: The new announcement moves bicycle eligibility from Class 9 to Class 8.
Beneficiaries: Around 12.59 lakh students are expected to receive bicycles during 2026-27.
Quality: The government has announced additional quality assessment, including attention to tyres, lights and safety.
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When Will Class 8 Students Get the Bicycle?
The September 29 announcement states that bicycles will be provided to students entering Class 8 from the next academic year.
It is important to distinguish this announcement from the existing distribution process. Earlier 2026 documentation for the current phase referred to Class 9 students. Therefore, students and schools should follow the latest official instructions issued for their particular academic session.
How Can Students Check Sarathi Scheme Information?
Students and schools should rely on official government instructions and school-level communication for the actual beneficiary verification and distribution process.
The Sarathi programme has also used an online system for school-side student information and verification in previous phases. The exact process for the newly announced Class 8 expansion should be confirmed through the latest official notification before students submit any information.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Sarathi Scheme 2026?
Sarathi is the new name given to West Bengal’s school bicycle distribution programme that was previously known as Sabuj Sathi.
- Who will receive bicycles under the new announcement?
The government has announced bicycles for 12.59 lakh students during the 2026-27 financial year.
- From which class will students get bicycles?
The latest announcement says that students will receive bicycles from Class 8 instead of Class 9.
- Where was the Sarathi Scheme launched?
The programme was formally launched at Madhusudan Pal Chowdhury High School in Howrah’s Bantra area on September 29, 2026.
- Is Sarathi the same as Sabuj Sathi?
It is the rebranded bicycle distribution programme. The government has changed the name from Sabuj Sathi to Sarathi and announced changes including Class 8 eligibility and new bicycle quality measures.
