Introduction West Bengal Sarathi Scheme is a bicycle distribution programme introduced by the Government of West Bengal to provide free bicycles to eligible Class IX students studying in Government-run and Government-aided schools and Madrasahs. The initiative aims to make daily travel to school easier, improve access to secondary education, and encourage students to continue their studies without transportation-related difficulties. Earlier implemented as the Sabooj Sathi Scheme, the programme has now been renamed as the West Bengal Sarathi Scheme. While the name has changed, the objective remains the same—supporting students by providing bicycles to improve school attendance, reduce dropout rates, and promote eco-friendly transportation. Since its launch in 2015, the initiative has benefited more than 1.24 crore students across the state. The scheme is administered by the Backwards Classes Welfare Department, while the West Bengal SC, ST & OBC Development & Finance Corporation serves as the implementing agency. Beneficiary identification, verification, and bicycle distribution are managed through the official Sarathi Portal in coordination with schools and education authorities. Eligible students are generally not required to submit a separate application. Schools verify student information through the portal, and bicycles are distributed after the verification process is completed successfully. Benefits Free bicycle distribution for eligible Class IX students. Available to students studying in Government-run and Government-aided schools and Madrasahs across West Bengal. Makes commuting to school easier, especially for students travelling long distances. Encourages regular attendance and helps reduce school dropout rates. Supports students in continuing secondary education. Promotes the use of bicycles as an affordable and environmentally friendly mode of transportation. Eligibility The applicant must be studying in Class IX during the current academic session. The student should be enrolled in a Government-run or Government-aided school or Madrasah located in West Bengal. The student's details must be available on the Banglar Shiksha Portal or entered through the Sarathi Portal, wherever applicable. The student profile must be verified and approved by the Head of Institution (HoI). The verified record should be validated by the concerned education authorities before bicycle distribution. Students who have already received a bicycle under the scheme are generally not eligible for another bicycle. Documents Proof of admission in Class IX for the current academic year. School Identity Card or Student Admission/Registration Number. Residential address details. Active mobile number of the student or parent/guardian. Aadhaar Card or any other identity proof, if requested by the school during verification. Information regarding previous bicycle benefits under the scheme, if applicable. Note: Student information is normally verified through the school using the Sarathi Portal. During profile verification, schools can update only the address and mobile number. If any other details require correction, a fresh student profile may need to be created as per the prescribed procedure. Process to Apply School Verification Process Students are not required to submit a separate application under the West Bengal Sarathi Scheme. The respective school imports or uploads eligible student records through the official Sarathi Portal. If a student's information is unavailable on the portal, the school may create a new profile after verifying the required details. The Head of Institution (HoI) reviews and confirms the student information before final submission. Verified records are forwarded to the concerned education authorities for validation. After successful verification and approval, eligible students receive their bicycles through their respective schools. If any correction is required in the student profile, applicants should contact their school authorities for necessary updates. How to Check Beneficiary Status Visit the official Sarathi Beneficiary Status Portal. Select the relevant District, Block, School, and Phase. Click on the Search button. The beneficiary list for the selected school and phase will appear on the screen. Check whether the student's name is included in the list. Important Links West Bengal Sarathi Portal Check Sarathi Beneficiary Status Submit Online Grievance Student Login West Bengal SC, ST & OBC Development & Finance Corporation Contact Helpline Number: 9147422628 Email: support.sarathi.wb@gmail.com FAQs 1. What is the West Bengal Sarathi Scheme?The West Bengal Sarathi Scheme is a Government initiative that provides free bicycles to eligible Class IX students studying in Government-run and Government-aided schools and Madrasahs. 2. Who can receive a bicycle under the scheme?Students enrolled in Class IX who satisfy the prescribed eligibility conditions and complete the verification process through their school are eligible. 3. Do students need to submit an online application?No. Eligible students are generally not required to submit a separate application. Schools complete the verification process through the Sarathi Portal. 4. How are student details verified?The Head of Institution (HoI) verifies student records, which are then validated by the concerned education authorities before bicycle distribution. 5. How can I check my beneficiary status?You can visit the official beneficiary status portal and search using your District, Block, School, and Phase. 6. Can student details be corrected after verification?Yes. For profile corrections, students should contact their respective school authorities. Certain details may require creation of a new profile as per the prescribed procedure. 7. Which department implements the Sarathi Scheme?The scheme is implemented through the West Bengal SC, ST & OBC Development & Finance Corporation under the Backward Classes Welfare Department.