E-bike quota to be doubled under CM Maryam’s directive

WEB DESK: In a bid to enhance accessibility and inclusivity in the province’s transport sector, Punjab’s Chief Minister, Maryam Nawaz, is spearheading efforts to double the quota of e-bikes, catering to a diverse spectrum of society.

Transport Minister Bilal Akbar Khan reiterated this commitment, underscoring the intention to encompass various segments of the populace in this initiative.

During the inaugural session of the steering committee convened to oversee e-bike integration, Minister Bilal Akbar Khan emphasised the need to prioritise students from different universities in the initial phase.

He stressed the importance of establishing a transparent application process and mechanisms for grievance redressal to safeguard the rights of applicants.

Addressing the committee, Secretary of Transport Dr. Javed Ahmed Qazi shed light on the establishment of the steering committee by the Chief Minister, aimed at streamlining the challenges encountered in e-bike distribution.

The meeting served as a platform to solicit input from stakeholders, with a concerted effort to translate diverse perspectives into a comprehensive action plan.

While the initial approval for 20,000 e-bikes has been secured, discussions revolved around the formulation of a proposal to expand this allocation.

Key proposals tabled during the session underscored the imperative of inclusivity, particularly emphasising the integration of individuals with disabilities and marginalised communities.

Minister Bilal Akbar Khan advocated for the establishment of a dedicated working group with clear guidelines outlined on the Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB) portal to mitigate ambiguities.

Furthermore, the Minister directed the formulation of separate proposals catering to female and male students, with suggested quotas of 15,000 and 25,000, respectively, awaiting approval from the Chief Minister.

Emphasising transparency and timeliness, Minister Bilal Akbar Khan stressed the need for comprehensive newspaper advertisements to disseminate information effectively, with a target to finalise the scheme before June.

The session witnessed the presence of key stakeholders, including representatives from the Punjab Information Technology Board, the Additional Inspector General of Traffic Police, and officials from various government departments, underscoring a collaborative approach towards realising the objectives of the e-bike initiative.

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