Punjab CM Amarinder Singh gives nod to bike taxis to generate employment for youth

Both Uber and Ola have shown interest in the scheme, for which the government will soon issue the necessary notification, said the spokesperson.
Chandigarh  : Punjab chief minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Friday gave a go ahead to bike taxis as a means to generate employment for youth, a key promise in the Congress poll manifesto.
The CM 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. “The initiative will encourage youth to engage in entrepreneurial business, while facilitating last-mile connectivity for commuters in areas not accessible by regular four-wheeler taxis.”
Both Uber and Ola have shown interest in the scheme, for which the government will soon issue the necessary notification, said the spokesperson.
Under the policy, being finalised by the transport department, existing and new motorcycle owners will be able to get commercial permits and licences to run two-wheelers as pillion taxis. Requiring minimal investment, the scheme is expected to create a major employment avenue, the spokesperson said.
The bike taxi scheme, which is already running successfully in some other states such as Rajasthan, Gujarat, Karnataka, West Bengal and Haryana, will also help reduce vehicular traffic on the roads, besides controlling pollution.