Govt announces free E-bikes for THESE females

SIALKOT: In a groundbreaking move, the Punjab government has announced a free E-Bike scheme for female teachers in Sialkot. Sialkot female teachers will shortly be provided with electric bikes to facilitate their daily travel as part of an initiative introduced with the help of the local business sector.

The initiative is a part of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s plan for providing women teachers with safer and more convenient transport facilities, Sialkot Deputy Commissioner Saba Asghar Ali said.

Applications were called in the earlier part of this month, and over 650 teachers have so far shown interest in applying. The last date for submission had been fixed as August 10.

The cut-off age is 35 years. Permanent and contract teachers were eligible to apply, with widows, divorced women, and single earners of their families being given preference. The e-bikes will be distributed by a computerized draw to maintain transparency.

Previously, on the occasion of Independence Day celebrations, the district administration had distributed e-bikes among 14 female teachers with the help of donors. The government officials feel that the initiative will not just alleviate mobility issues for women, but also lower environmental pollution by promoting the adoption of clean energy-driven vehicles.