The Punjab government, led by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, has made a significant announcement aimed at easing the financial burden on students. During the third cabinet meeting held in Lahore, the government unveiled a plan to provide 20,000 e-bikes to students through convenient installment plans.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz highlighted the importance of electric bikes in reducing pollution, despite acknowledging challenges such as low mileage and incidents of battery theft. To address these issues, the government has decided to offer both electric and fuel-consuming bikes under the scheme.
To ensure accessibility for students, the down payment for the bikes will be reduced to Rs25,000, with monthly installments set at less than Rs5,000. This initiative aims to support students financially and alleviate their transportation expenses. Distribution of the bikes is scheduled to begin in May 2024.
Additionally, the government plans to introduce a separate scheme to provide bikes to high-achieving students, recognizing their academic excellence and societal contributions.
The decision to offer bikes on easy installments follows a request from former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, who stressed the importance of minimizing the financial burden on students. Both petrol and electric bikes will be available, with monthly installments tailored to 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 has directed 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 underscores the government's commitment to supporting education and providing practical solutions to enhance students' access to transportation.