CM Punjab Launches Honhaar Scholarship Program
In a significant stride toward enhancing higher education opportunities, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz introduced the Honhaar Scholarship Program, a Rs. 130 billion initiative aimed at supporting deserving students across the province. This landmark program has already witnessed overwhelming interest, with over 68,000 applications received from students belonging to 65 universities, 359 colleges, and 12 medical colleges. The program is set to cover tuition costs for four- and five-year undergraduate programs, benefiting students in 68 disciplines.
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The Chief Minister hailed the program as a transformative step to ensure access to quality education, aligning with her vision to empower 30,000 students annually. Here’s everything you need to know about the eligibility criteria, academic requirements, and related initiatives under this groundbreaking program.
Eligibility Criteria for Honhaar Scholarship Program
To qualify for the Honhaar Scholarship Program, applicants must meet specific criteria:
Domicile: Candidates must belong to any district within Punjab.
Age Limit: The age of applicants should not exceed 22 years as of the application closing date.
Enrollment: Students must be enrolled in eligible disciplines for the fall 2024 session in recognized universities, colleges, or medical colleges, including new MBBS and BDS students.
Family Income: The combined family income should not exceed Rs. 300,000 per month, with an affidavit required for proof.
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Academic Performance Requirements
The program emphasizes academic excellence by setting minimum percentage thresholds for different educational institutions and disciplines:
Medical Colleges: 80% or above.
Top Universities: 80% or above.
Public Sector Universities:
Science: 75% or above.
Arts & Social Sciences: 70% or above.
HED Colleges:
Science: 65% or above.
Arts & Social Sciences: 60% or above.
Program Benefits
The Honhaar Scholarship Program is a comprehensive initiative designed to alleviate financial burdens for students pursuing higher education. It will provide full tuition coverage for eligible students, enabling them to focus on academics without worrying about expenses.
Expansion of ‘Maryam Ki Dastak’ Program
In addition to the Honhaar Scholarship Program, the Punjab government has expanded the ‘Maryam Ki Dastak’ initiative to enhance service delivery across 32 districts. This program, led by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, now includes 10 new districts, including Rahim Yar Khan, Vehari, Lodhran, Toba Tek Singh, Layyah, Rajanpur, Nankana Sahib, Chiniot, Gujrat, and Khushab.
During a review meeting in Lahore, Faisal Yousaf, Chairman of the Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB), emphasized that the extension of this initiative aims to improve efficiency and provide a citizen-friendly experience. By deploying trained representatives, the program ensures smoother access to essential government services.
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Conclusion
The Honhaar Scholarship Program represents a monumental effort by the Punjab government to democratize access to higher education. By supporting students from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds, the initiative aims to nurture talent and promote academic excellence in the province. Coupled with the expansion of the Maryam Ki Dastak program, these efforts underline Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s commitment to improving education and service delivery in Punjab.
Stay tuned for updates on these initiatives that promise to transform the lives of thousands of students and citizens across Punjab.
