{
  "id": 10737267,
  "title": "Bengal Govt Renames 'Sabuj Sathi' Scheme As 'Sarathi', To Distribute Bicycles To 12.59 Lakh Students",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/29/bengal-govt-renames-sabuj-sathi-scheme-as-sarathi-to-distribute",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-29T16:35:06.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Press Journal",
    "slug": "free-press-journal",
    "url": "https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/bengal-govt-renames-sabuj-sathi-scheme-as-sarathi-to-distribute-bicycles-to-1259-lakh-students"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Kolkata, September 29, 2026 - West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced on Tuesday that his government will distribute bicycles to a staggering 12.59 lakh students during the current academic year, renaming the previously named 'Sabuj Sathi' scheme to 'Sarathi'. At a cycle distribution event at a school in Howrah, Adhikari commented on the quality of bicycles given by the previous administration, stating that they were 'substandard'. The distribution event took place at Madhusudan Pal Chowdhury High School in Batra, Howrah.\n\nThe 'Sarathi' scheme will see 12.59 lakh bicycles worth ₹508 crore being distributed across the state. This gesture aims to provide a reliable mode of transportation to students, ensuring their easy access to schools. Prior to the distribution, Adhikari addressed concerns about the quality of food provided to students, assuring them that the state government has taken measures to address these issues. Through Self-Help Groups (SHGs), boiled eggs will be provided to students twice a week, as per Adhikari's announcement.\n\nHowever, Adhikari clarified that the funds allocated for the 'Sarathi' scheme will not be used to subsidize the purchase of smartphones and tablets for students. He emphasized the importance of focusing on the educational aspect and urged students to avoid distractions from these devices. Adhikari also announced plans to revive NCC units in educational institutions, highlighting the need to adhere to the ideals set by the late Shyama Prasad Mookerjee.",
  "summary": "Kolkata: Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Tuesday announced that his government will distribute bicycles to 12.59 lakh students during the current academic year and renamed Trinamool Congress (TMC)’s ‘Sabuj Sathi’ scheme to ‘Sarathi’. Bicycle distribution scheme Addressing a cycle distribution event at a school in Howrah, Adhikari mentioned that the cycles that were given by the previous…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}