The Punjab government’s initiative to provide interest-free motorcycles to students has garnered a tremendous response, with over 100,000 registrations on the dedicated e-bikes portal.
This program, spearheaded by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, aims to distribute 20,000 electric and petrol bikes to students enrolled in universities and graduate colleges across the province.
PITB (Punjab Information Technology Board) on Tuesday records reveal that more than 16,000 applications have been submitted online. The majority, exceeding 13,500, are for petrol bikes, while nearly 3,800 students have expressed interest in electric motorcycles.
Students residing in Lahore, Multan, Faisalabad, Bahawalpur, and Rawalpindi are eligible to apply before the deadline of April 29th. The program offers significant financial support, with the government covering both the down payment and the monthly installment markup.
This initiative seeks to address transportation challenges faced by students by facilitating easy access to motorcycles through a manageable installment plan.
To qualify, students must be regular students (18 years or older) in a public or private degree program at a university or graduate college recognized by the Higher Education Commission (HEC), and possess a valid driver’s license or learner’s permit.
PITB Chairman Faisal Yusuf emphasized the scheme’s transparent nature, ensuring a smooth application process for students. This program aligns with the government’s broader objective of promoting education accessibility across Punjab.
The Punjab government partnered with the Bank of Punjab to distribute the motorcycles. The monthly installments for electric bikes are set at Rs. 10,000, while petrol bikes come with a Rs. 5,000 installment plan.—INP
