Biker teachers to get prizes in Armenia 

ArmInfo. In 2025, 11.3 million drams will be allocated for the implementation of the program of preferential lending for the purchase of bicycles for students and  teachers of higher education institutions and vocational schools in  Armenia. On August 14, the RA government approved the procedure for  implementing the measure to encourage a healthy lifestyle and promote  alternative modes of transport among the population.

Recall that the was approved at a government  meeting on March 27. It was noted that the purpose of this project is  to create a support mechanism that will allow students and employees  of higher education institutions and vocational schools who consider  cycling as a means of transportation, as a hobby, to have the  opportunity to purchase a bicycle with the necessary accessories at  an affordable price and use it in everyday life. According to the  Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports (MECS), as of June  2024, there are 120,486 students studying in the Republic of Armenia  (universities, vocational schools and colleges), where 20,610  teachers work, who are considered as potential beneficiaries of the  program. According to the authors of the initiative, the program will  have a positive impact on both increasing healthy physical activity  of the population and on the import of bicycles and the  revitalization of the technical services sector. Within the framework  of the program, 500 beneficiaries will receive support in 2025, 1000  in 2026 and 1500 in 2027.  The authorities will subsidize their  interest rates on a targeted loan (all 16%, up to 300 thousand drams  and for up to 36 months) for the purchase of a bicycle. With today's  decision, the Cabinet of Ministers approved the requirements for the  beneficiaries of the measure, the grounds for terminating the support  provided under the measure, and the procedure for disposing of the  support amount already provided at the time of termination of  support.

It is noted that as a result of discussions between the Ministry of  Education, Science and Culture with importers and wholesalers of  bicycles in the Republic of Armenia, as well as rectors of higher  education institutions, proposals were received, in particular, from  representatives of universities: to organize bicycle educational  campaigns for teachers and students using bicycles; to apply  intra-university discounts for students participating in the program;  to reward teachers using bicycles and students of universities and  colleges participating in organized cycling events.

It is planned that the required expenses for 2025 (according to the  attached calculation, 11.3 million drams) will be carried out within  the framework of the general allocations of the Ministry of  Education, Science and Culture, and the necessary financial resources  will be included in the draft budget request for 2026.