ISLAMABAD: The federal government has released details of an expanded Phase‑II subsidy scheme for the purchase of electric bikes, rickshaws and loaders, saying the programme aims to cut fuel consumption, curb pollution and boost domestic industry.
According to the details of scheme document now available online, the first phase targeted the delivery of 41,000 vehicles. More than 269,000 applicants registered; 41,000 were selected. So far 1,334 electric bikes have been delivered and subsidy payments are being credited to beneficiaries’ bank accounts.
Under Phase II, the government will provide a subsidy of Rs80,000 for each electric bike. An additional 100,000 electric bikes are expected to be launched within three months, the document said.
Civil servants up to Grade‑16 will be eligible to obtain bikes or rickshaws on an interest‑free basis. Beneficiaries will pay an initial Rs10,000; the remaining amount will be recovered through salary deductions. Participating companies will now deliver vehicles directly to beneficiaries, with the government reimbursing subsidies to companies after delivery.
A new, lower‑cost application process has been introduced for bikes, rickshaws and loaders. Allocations will be made on a first‑come, first‑served basis while provincial quotas remain intact. Fleet operators and large companies will also be eligible to participate. Additionally, 600 top‑position holders from government colleges will receive electric bikes free of charge.
Third‑party verification will continue to guard against fraud, the document added. Under the expanded plan, 116,000 electric bikes and 3,170 rickshaws and loaders are scheduled for distribution this year. The scheme is expected to save some 8.6 million litres of fuel over three months.
It may be added here that the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) has approved the expanded Phase‑II programme.
