Punjab government launches taxi scheme ‘Apni Gaddi Apna Rojgar’

In a bid to solve the unemployment in the drug-hit state, the newly formed government of Punjab has launched 'Apni Gaddi Apna Rozgar' scheme by flagging off over 100 uberMOTO bikes.

Through this flagship project, the state government will be providing commercial two-wheelers and four-wheelers to unemployed youths at subsidised rates. Importantly, the scheme will not ask for any collateral for providing the vehicles.

The government will not really buy the vehicles, instead it will provide loans at highly subsidized rates. As per the plan, it will hire 1 lakh light commercial vehicles a year.

Meanwhile, Uber will be able to operate easily within Punjab, but it may not have a smooth ride within the Chandigarh Central Region as Haryana is charging a high entry tax on commercial passenger vehicles entering from Chandigarh and Punjab.

Uber and Ola, both have taken up the matter with BJP led government in Haryana.

"Largely our focus remains on providing affordable products. Considering the lavish ways of Punjabis we are ready to cater to HNI segment as well. Demands are high for luxury products during the wedding season," Uber Head-Public Policy, Uber India and South Asia, Shweta Rajpal Kohli told ET.

Kohli also added, "For Uber India is turning out to be the main innovation centre, we evolve strategies here and later execute them in other South Asian countries as well. uberMOTO has been successfully running in the Southeast Asian countries of Indonesia and Vietnam, and is especially well-suited for first mile/last mile connectivity, getting people from their homes or offices to metro stations and vice - versa."

Government taking the credit of its promise in poll manifesto and stated that, the 'Apni Gaddi Apna Rozgar' scheme will be a game-changer for the youth of Punjab and will play a catalysing role in encouraging micro-entrepreneurship opportunities throughout the state.

The ride-hailing app recently announced its new product uberMOTO launch in Mohali, Ludhiana, Zirakpur and Kharar in the presence of Manpreet Singh Badal Minister for Finance, Planning and Employment Generation in Punjab.

uberMOTO claims to improve last-mile connectivity, make the transportation affordable in these cities, with fares as low as Rs 15.

Image credit: Sarkariyojna