Punjab holds key meeting to discuss distribution of electric bikes to students

LAHORE: In a session held at the Planning and Development (P&D) Board, Provincial Minister for Planning and Development, Bilal Afzal, alongside Chairman Iftikhar Ali Sahu, oversaw a gathering on Monday.

The attendees included Secretary Muzaffar Khan Sial, the transport secretary, the Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB) chairman, members of the P&D Board, and other officials.

The primary agenda of the meeting was to assess the recommendations put forth by the committee appointed by the Punjab government to provide electric motorcycles to students.

Transport Secretary Ahmed Javed Qazi delivered a comprehensive presentation, encompassing details on various motorcycle manufacturers, pricing, and market analysis of electric bikes.

He elucidated the proposed entry conditions, the intricacies of the computerised draw, and the online application process facilitated by PITB.

Furthermore, the Bank of Punjab provided insights into a ‘Post-Purchase Reimbursement Model’ for the distribution of electric motorcycles, offering diverse proposals for credit value and discounts.

The bank underscored its commitment to maintaining a lower interest rate for students, distinct from other loans, and pledged to present a viable financial model (green financing) to the committee.

Minister Bilal Afzal directed the committee to formulate a rational model, stressing the importance of submitting a report with feasible proposals to the Punjab Cabinet for approval.

The Chief Minister and the cabinet will decide on the expenditure and discount rate for the electric bike supply programme.

Bilal Afzal highlighted the environmental benefits of the initiative in controlling pollution in the provincial capital and approved the establishment of a sub-committee led by the Chairman of the P&D Board.

This sub-committee will comprise representatives from DG Excise and Taxation, traffic police, and the Bank of Punjab, along with secretaries of transport and other departments. The inaugural meeting of the subcommittee is scheduled for next week.

According to The News, Chairman Iftikhar Ali Sahu revealed that the Bank of Punjab would present a workable subsidy model based on a soft lease in the upcoming sub-committee meeting.

He clarified that, initially, the scheme would exclusively benefit students of universities and colleges. Sahu highlighted the responsibility of universities and colleges in ensuring the success of the programme.

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