WBSABOOJSATHI

The Sabooj Sathi Scheme is a student welfare initiative launched by the government of West Bengal, India, to provide bicycles to students in the state. Under the scheme, bicycles are distributed free of cost to students studying in government and government-aided schools from classes IX to XII.

The "Sabooj Sathi" scheme aims to improve students' access to secondary education by providing bicycles to eligible students, increasing school retention, encouraging higher education, promoting mobility among girl students, and supporting environment-friendly transportation. It also contributes to the Sustainable Development Goals on good health and well-being, quality education, gender equality, and climate action.

This scheme is well-known as “Sabooj Sathi” as coined by Hon’ble Chief Minister herself and it reflects her desire to see young students empowered to achieve new feats in the future through the bicycles provided under the scheme. She also created the scheme logo which is firmly attached in the basket in front of the bicycle. Hon’ble CM flagged off the distribution in October 2015 from Paschim Medinipur.

The SABOOJ SATHI Scheme is a government initiative launched by the West Bengal government to provide bicycles to students studying in government-run and government-aided schools from class IX to XII.

The eligibility criteria for the SABOOJ SATHI Scheme are as follows:

• Age Limit: The student must be between 13 to 18 years of age.1. Schooling: The student must be studying in a government-run or government-aided school in West Bengal.1. Residency: The student must be a permanent resident of West Bengal.1. Family Income: The family income of the student should not exceed Rs. 2 lakh per annum.1. Distance: The student should live at least 2 km away from their school.1. Attendance: The student must have at least 60% attendance in the last academic year.1. Ownership: The student should not already own a bicycle.1. Class: The student must be studying in class IX to XII.

_It is important to note that the eligibility criteria may vary depending on the specific guidelines of the scheme in each state or region. Additionally, the application process and required documents may differ depending on the government's instructions._

• Encourages Education: SABOOJ SATHI Scheme encourages education by providing bicycles to students, which helps them in attending school regularly.- Health Benefits: Cycling is a form of exercise, and the scheme encourages students to adopt a healthy lifestyle and remain physically fit.- Saves Time and Money: The scheme saves the time and money of the students who have to otherwise walk long distances to reach school.- Environmental Benefits: Encouraging cycling as a mode of transportation reduces the carbon footprint, making it an eco-friendly initiative.- Empowerment: SABOOJ SATHI Scheme promotes the empowerment of girl students by providing them with bicycles, making it easier for them to travel to school.- Enhanced Mobility: The scheme provides enhanced mobility to students who live in remote areas, which makes it easier for them to attend school.- Reduces Dropout Rates: By providing bicycles to students, the scheme reduces dropout rates, as it becomes easier for students to attend school regularly.

• _Private School Students: The SABOOJ SATHI Scheme is only applicable to students studying in government-run and government-aided schools. Students studying in private schools are not eligible for the scheme._
• Students Outside Class IX to XII: The scheme is only applicable to students studying in class IX to XII. Students studying in other classes are not eligible for the scheme.
• _Non-Resident Students: Students who do not reside in West Bengal are not eligible for the scheme._
• Income Criteria: The scheme does not apply to students whose family income exceeds the specified limit.
• _Distance Criteria: The scheme does not apply to students who live within a certain distance from their school._
• Existing Bicycle Owners: The scheme does not apply to students who already own a bicycle.
• _Non-Attendance: Students who have poor attendance records or who have a history of dropping out of school are not eligible for the scheme._
• It is essential to note that the exclusions may vary depending on the specific guidelines of the scheme in each state or region.