Sarathi cycle scheme launched across Bengal, 12.59 lakh students to benefit

Kolkata, September 29: West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari inaugurated the state government's 'Sarathi' bicycle scheme for school students at the Madhusudan Pal Chowdhury High School in Howrah's Bhatra on Tuesday, replacing the earlier 'Sabuj Sathi' scheme. Under the new scheme, 12.59 lakh students will receive bicycles during the 2026-27 financial year. Announcing changes to the scheme, Adhikari said, "The bicycles will now be distributed to students from Class VIII instead of Class IX." The new bicycles will be saffron in colour and, according to the government, have undergone a three-tier quality assessment, with attention given to tyres, lights and…