Punjab CM launches bike supply project for youth

LAHORE: To empower students across Punjab, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has announced an ambitious project to provide 20,000 motor and electric bikes to eligible students.

Known as the Chief Minister Youth Initiative, this project aims to ease the transportation burden for students by offering electric and petrol bikes in easy instalments.

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Registration for this scheme has already commenced, fast tracking facilitating student mobility. Under the first phase of the project, 19,000 petrol bikes and 1,000 e-bikes will be distributed, with the Punjab government allocating a subsidy of Rs 1 billion to ensure interest-free financing for students.

Moreover, to further alleviate financial burdens, the government will cover the initial down payment of Rs 20,000 on behalf of the students. Additionally, the Punjab government will bear the mark-up on the monthly instalments, providing a much-needed reprieve for students.

Male students will have the option of Rs 11,676 monthly installment plans, while female students can avail the scheme at Rs 7,325 monthly installment. The initiative will initially roll out in key cities including Faisalabad, Multan, Bahawalpur, Rawalpindi, and Lahore, with the distribution of motorbikes allocated according to the population density of each district.

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To be eligible for the scheme, applicants must be enrolled in a public or private university or a graduate college, be over 18 years of age, and possess a valid driving license or learner’s permit.

The deadline for submitting applications is set for April 29, 2024. Students can apply through the official website at bikes.punjab.gov.pk.