After 'scooty' scheme, Jammu and Kashmir government starts cycle scheme

Jammu: After the 'Scooty' scheme for girls, Jammu and Kashmir government on Monday announced the launch of All Terrain Bike (ATB) programme for meritorious boys of lower economic strata.

The state government has, on the initiative of Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, announced the launch of All Terrain Bike (ATB) scheme for meritorious boys on the pattern of Scooty Scheme for the girl students, an official spokesman said.

The Chief Minister yesterday handed over keys of subsidized Scooties to 150 girl students of the Women?s Degree College in Baramulla.

Under the ATB scheme, the state government would provide high-end cycles (All Terrain Bikes) to boys students of 10th standard in a government school.

The motor cycles would be provided on 90:10 basis where 90 per cent of the cost would be borne by the government and only 10 per cent by the student.

A state government official dealing with the scheme said that any boy in 10th standard belonging to lower economic background who has to cover a distance of more than 2 kms from his home to school and shall secure above 65 per cent in his 10th exams will be eligible for a bicycle if he gives in writing that he shall continue to pursue his education.

He said the scheme would enable the students to not only have independence of mobility but at the same time promote a healthy way of commuting among them.

The cycles distributed under this scheme will not be allowed to be resold, and any violation will result in forfeiting of the Cycle (ATB).