LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has directed authorities not to collect down payments from students under the provincial electric bike scheme, introducing a major financial relief for young people seeking affordable transport.
The decision was taken during a meeting chaired by Maryam Nawaz, where officials reviewed several proposals related to the CM Electric Bike Scheme. The meeting agreed in principle to a proposal under which participating students would pay Rs3,000 per month in installments.
The scope of the scheme was also approved for expansion beyond students. According to the decisions taken at the meeting, government employees, members of the general public and delivery riders will also be included in the program, potentially making the initiative accessible to a much wider segment of society.
Officials briefed the meeting that the Punjab government would bear the interest and insurance costs associated with the electric bikes. Students will also receive a helmet and safety rod free of charge along with their bikes as part of the safety measures.
The government also plans to provide students with two days of free training before they begin using the electric bikes. Authorities were directed to take steps to ensure that successful applicants receive their bikes within six weeks.
Maryam Nawaz instructed officials to launch the electric bike scheme’s online portal within the same week. The portal is expected to facilitate applications and help streamline the process for students seeking to benefit from the initiative.
