Punjab Honahar Merit Scholarship program
LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has given the green light to the ‘Punjab Honahar Merit Scholarship Program’ and mandated a significant increase in the number of scholarships from 4,000 to 25,000. This decision came during a special meeting of the Higher Education Department held on Saturday.
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Key Highlights
| Initiative | Details |
| Scholarships | Increase from 4,000 to 25,000 scholarships for BS students in government and select private universities. |
| Fee Coverage | 100% fees for BS students in specified universities. |
| New Universities | Establishment of new universities in Jhelum, Vehari, and Bahawalnagar. |
| Laptop Scheme | Immediate launch of a laptop distribution scheme. |
| Market-Driven Disciplines | Introduction of new courses in colleges with fewer students. |
| Appointment System | Online portal for merit-based appointments of Divisional Directors and Principals. |
| New Buses | Provision of new buses to government colleges. |
| Free Classes Expansion | Gradual expansion of free MD CAT and E CAT classes to remote areas. |
| Education Reforms | Formation of Punjab Board Coordination Commission for educational board reforms. |
Scholarship Program Expansion
Maryam Nawaz Sharif emphasized the necessity of supporting the private sector to advance higher education, highlighting that private sector involvement would create more educational opportunities for the youth in remote areas. The ‘Punjab Honahar Merit Scholarship Program’ will now cover 100% of the tuition fees for students pursuing BS degrees from government institutions and eight selected private universities.
Punjab Honahar Merit Scholarship program
Establishment of New Universities
The Chief Minister directed the immediate establishment of new universities in Jhelum, Vehari, and Bahawalnagar. She also reviewed recommendations for establishing universities through public-private partnerships and agreed to facilitate the private sector’s involvement in this regard.
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Launch of Laptop Scheme and Market-Driven Disciplines
Maryam Nawaz Sharif ordered the immediate launch of a new laptop distribution scheme. Additionally, she decided to introduce new market-driven disciplines in colleges with fewer students to ensure that the education system remains relevant and responsive to market demands.
Merit-Based Appointment System
To ensure transparency and meritocracy, the Chief Minister directed the implementation of a foolproof online portal system for the merit-based appointment of Divisional Directors and Principals. This system aims to streamline the appointment process and uphold merit in educational institutions. Punjab Honahar Merit Scholarship program
Provision of New Buses
A comprehensive plan for providing new buses to government colleges was also presented to the Chief Minister, ensuring improved transportation facilities for students.Punjab Honahar Merit Scholarship program
Review and Reforms in Private Universities
Maryam Nawaz Sharif proposed the creation of a high-level ministerial committee to oversee and review the affairs of private universities. Additionally, she decided to establish the Punjab Board Coordination Commission to introduce reforms in the educational boards.
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Expansion of Free MD CAT and E CAT Classes
Expressing satisfaction with the successful implementation of free MD CAT and E CAT classes in 90 colleges across Punjab, the Chief Minister stressed the importance of gradually expanding the scope of these free classes to benefit students from remote areas. She praised the efforts of Provincial Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat and the Higher Education Department for their performance.
Meeting Attendees
The meeting featured a detailed briefing by Secretary Higher Education Dr. Farrukh Naveed. Other notable attendees included Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, Provincial Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat, Chief Secretary, Chairman P&D, Finance Secretary, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister, and other relevant officers.
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Summary
Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s directives during the Higher Education Department meeting signal a robust push towards enhancing the quality and accessibility of higher education in Punjab. By increasing scholarships, establishing new universities, launching new schemes, and ensuring merit-based appointments, the Punjab government aims to provide more opportunities for students and improve the overall educational infrastructure.
