The Punjab government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, has taken a significant step towards easing the financial burden on students by announcing a plan to provide 20,000 e-bikes through convenient installment plans. This decision was made during the third cabinet meeting held in Lahore.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz emphasized the importance of electric bikes in reducing pollution, although she acknowledged the current limitations such as low mileage and incidents of battery theft. To address these challenges, the government decided to offer both electric bikes and fuel-consuming bikes under the scheme.
To make the initiative more accessible to students, the down payment for the bikes will be reduced to Rs25,000, with monthly installments set at less than Rs5,000. This move aims to support students financially and alleviate their transportation expenses. Distribution of the bikes is scheduled to commence in May 2024.
Furthermore, the government plans to introduce a separate scheme to provide bikes to high-achieving students, recognizing their academic excellence and contribution to society.
The decision to provide bikes on easy installments follows a request from former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, who emphasized the importance of minimizing the financial burden on students. During the cabinet meeting, it was revealed that both petrol and electric bikes would be available, with monthly installments tailored to suit students’ budgets.
In rural areas, a quota system has been implemented, with 70% of the allocation reserved for male students and 30% for female students, aiming to promote gender inclusivity.
Chief Minister Nawaz directed the authorities to announce the application schedule for bikes before Eid, ensuring a smooth and efficient process for students to benefit from this initiative.
This scheme reflects the government’s commitment to supporting education and providing practical solutions to enhance students’ access to transportation.
