Laptop Scheme
LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has directed the launch of the “Punjab Honahar Merit Scholarship Programme” and a laptop scheme for students across the province.
This announcement came during a special meeting of the Higher Education Department, as stated in an official communiqué released on Saturday.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz emphasized the importance of supporting deserving students by significantly increasing the number of merit-based scholarships from 4,000 to 25,000.
She stated, “100% fees of students pursuing a BS degree from government institutions and eight selected private universities will be covered by the scholarship.”
During the meeting, the chief minister underscored the need to facilitate the private sector in promoting higher education, highlighting that “private sector participation will provide opportunities for higher education to the youth in remote areas.”
She reviewed proposals for establishing universities through public-private partnerships and agreed to support the private sector in this initiative.
Additionally, she called for the construction of new universities in Jhelum, Vehari, and Bahawalnagar to expand educational access in these regions.
The chief minister also directed the introduction of new market-driven disciplines in colleges with low student enrollment to ensure that the curriculum remains relevant and beneficial for students.
She emphasized the necessity of a foolproof system for appointing divisional directors and principals based solely on merit, facilitated through an online portal system.
Furthermore, a plan to provide new buses to government colleges was presented to her, aiming to improve transportation facilities for students.
In her pursuit of educational reforms, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz decided to establish the Punjab Board Coordination Commission.
This commission will oversee reforms in the affairs of education boards. She advocated for the creation of a high-level ministerial committee to review the operations of private universities, ensuring they maintain high standards and accountability.
Maryam Nawaz also expressed satisfaction with the successful implementation of the MD CAT and E CAT free classes program in 90 colleges across Punjab.
She remarked, “The scope of free MD CAT and E CAT classes should be gradually expanded to benefit students from remote areas.”
The performance of Provincial Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat and the Higher Education Department was lauded by the chief minister, acknowledging their efforts and contributions to the education sector in Punjab.
Overall, these initiatives and directives from Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz reflect a strong commitment to enhancing the educational landscape in Punjab, ensuring that students have access to quality education and the necessary resources to succeed.
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