Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has greenlit the ‘Punjab Honahar Merit Scholarship Programme,’ increasing the number of meritorious scholarships from 4,000 to 25,000. During a session with the Punjab Higher Education Department, she directed that all tuition fees for BS students in government and eight selected private universities will be covered by the scholarships.
She also instructed for the immediate establishment of new universities in Jhelum, Vehari, and Bahawalnagar, emphasizing the introduction of market-driven disciplines in colleges with limited enrollment. A transparent online portal system was mandated for the merit-based appointment of divisional directors and principals.
Additionally, plans were discussed for new buses for government colleges, and a ministerial committee was proposed to oversee private university affairs. Maryam Nawaz also decided to form the Punjab Board Coordination Commission to reform education boards across the province.
Expanding access to free MDCAT and e-CAT classes for students from remote areas was also on the agenda, along with support for public-private partnerships in higher education. The chief minister urged swift implementation of the laptop scheme and commended Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat and the Higher Education Department for their efforts.
The meeting was attended by Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat, Chief Secretary, Chairman P&D, Finance Secretary, Principal Secretary to CM, and other relevant officials.
