Amarinder gives go ahead to bike taxis

Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh has given a nod to pillion or bike taxis as a means to generate employment for youth.
The chief minister has given in-principle approval to the initiative, which will be launched under the 'Apni Gaddi Apna Rozgar' scheme as promised in the election manifesto, an official spokesperson said here.
The policy is currently in the process of finalisation by the Transport Department. Under it existing and new motorcycle owners will be able to get commercial permits and licences to run two-wheelers as pillion taxis.
Both Uber and Ola have shown interest in the scheme, for which the government would soon issue the necessary notification, the spokesperson said.

The initiative would also encourage youths to engage in businesses and would facilitate last mile connectivity for commuters in areas which are not accessible by regular four- wheeler taxis.
Requiring minimal investment, the scheme is expected to create a major avenue for the unemployed youth to start their own business, the spokesperson said.

The scheme is already running successfully in some other states such as Rajasthan, Gujarat, Karnataka, West Bengal, Haryana. It will also help reduce vehicular pressure on the roads, besides controlling pollution.
The 'Apni Gaddi Apna Rozgar' scheme, as proposed in the Congress poll manifesto, envisages one lakh taxis, commercial LCVs and other vehicles to be provided to unemployed youth every year at subsidised rates, without collateral and with the government standing guarantee.

The government proposes to tie up with major taxi operators such as Ola and Uber to ensure the success of the scheme, under which the youth would be expected to repay their loan in five years.