In a report broadcast on Friday, the Punjab government has given a 300 million appropriation to supply athletes taking part in the Khelta Punjab Games with electric bikes and laptops. The program will support the development of sports and focus on attracting the young talent within the province.
According to the official sources, the provincial government has given formal approval of a supplemental grant, which will enable release of funds to the project. Although the project had already been approved in principle earlier, the ultimate allocation of the funds has now been finalized paving the way to commence the implementation.
According to the plan that has already been approved, the Punjab Finance Department will publish Rs. 300 million that is currently supposed to be spent on acquisition of 980 electric bikes. Such electric bikes will be given to the selected players as an incentive system based on performance under the Khelta Punjab Games. The bikes would be procured via a government to government (G2G) model of Wah Industries where there would be transparency and common quality.
Besides the electric bikes, the provincial government has gone further to issue over 600 laptops to the deserving players. Such laptops will be given to the athletes below the age of 18 to promote their education needs and sports life. It will be distributed under the Chief Minister Laptop Program that will provide digital access and academic opportunities to young people.
Officials are of the opinion that the provision of electric bikes will enable young athletes who have mobility issues, more so those who have to travel to and participate in competitions and through laptops, students will be able to resume learning without any interruption in their studies. The program is indicative of the greater ambitions by the Punjab government of youth empowerment, sports promotion and access to digital resources.
It is also a good move as it has been embraced by players and sports circles who believe it is a positive move towards talent recognition and encouraging young athletes to perform at their best in the field and off the field.
