Suvendu Adhikari launches Saarthi scheme in West Bengal
Suvendu Adhikari launches the Saarthi scheme in Howrah, providing bicycles to students and replacing mobile phone funds with educational tablets.
In a significant move to support student mobility, Suvendu Adhikari has officially launched the 'Saarthi' scheme during an event at the Madhusudan Pal Chowdhury School in Howrah. The initiative aims to provide bicycles to students across several schools in the state, ensuring they have a reliable way to commute to their educational institutions.
Bicycles for Students and a Shift in Digital Policy
During the launch at the school, which falls under the Bentra police station jurisdiction, the Chief Minister took the opportunity to outline a major shift in how the state supports digital learning. He announced that the previous administration's policy of providing ₹11,000 to Class 11 students specifically for purchasing mobile phones is being discontinued.
Instead, the government is pivoting toward a more structured educational approach:
- Educational Tablets: Students will now be provided with tablets designed specifically for learning.
- Focus on Education: While the new system may cost an additional ₹10,000 per student, the priority is to ensure devices are used for academic purposes rather than as mobile phones.
- Reducing Distractions: The Chief Minister emphasized the importance of keeping children away from the potential distractions of mobile phones.
Addressing Previous Procurement Concerns
The Chief Minister also addressed concerns regarding previous bicycle distribution methods. He alleged that under the prior administration, bicycles were being sourced from Ludhiana and merely assembled locally. He stated that the current government has scrapped that arrangement to prevent the wastage of public funds and ensure more efficient procurement.
A Day of Interaction: Mid-Day Meals and School Inspection
Beyond the policy announcements, the event featured a personal touch as the Chief Minister inspected the academic and infrastructural standards of the Madhusudan Pal Chowdhury School. In a gesture that drew attention, he joined the students to partake in their mid-day meal.
The Headmaster of the school noted that while the meal—consisting of rice, dal, chutney, and a potato-soybean dish—was prepared according to the standard daily menu, a larger quantity had been made for the occasion. The Headmaster expressed his commitment to developing the historic institution into a model school.
The program served as a successful launchpad for the Saarthi scheme, with bicycles being distributed to eager students on the spot, marking a new chapter for student transport in the region.