Pratham began operations in West Bengal in 2006 by running community libraries in 5 districts in collaboration with the Calcutta Foundation. In July 2007, Chalo Padhi (Read India ) was started as a pilot in the North 24 Paranga and South Binajour. As a result of the successful pilots, the SSA in collaboration with Pratham launched the program in all schools of the north 24 paragas. SSA supported the program by providing materials and human resources.

Read India is being implemented in 7 districts reaching approximately 150,000 children. Unlike other states, the campaign is being implemented through a strong collaboration with the panchayats.