CM Maryam announces e-bikes program for 'orphan students' in Punjab

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz-led Punjab government has announced providing electric bikes to orphan students, it emerged on Tuesday.

The announcement was made in a review meeting chaired by provincial transport minister Bilal Akbar Khan.

According to the provincial minister, the number of applicants for e-bikes swelled from 20,000 to 27,200.

The minister directed the concerned authorities to accelerate the process to ensure the smooth provision of e-bikes to orphan students.

However, the number of allocated electric bikes for orphan students was not disclosed in the meeting.

The initiative aims to provide hassle-free transport and equal opportunities for orphan students in the lowest amount.

The government will pay half of the down payment of Rs40,000 for each vehicle handed over to students under the scheme.

The minister said the installment plan was made while keeping the financial conditions of the inflation-hit people.

Moreover, the minister confirmed that the e-bikes were being provided to the women who had applied.

On July 12, CM Maryam said more than 100,000 applications were submitted, out of which 27,200 students will be given motorbikes.