Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has approved the ‘Punjab Honahar Merit Scholarship Programme’ to provide financial support to deserving students. This initiative aims to increase the number of scholarships from 4,000 to 25,000, making higher education more accessible to students across Punjab. The scholarship will cover 100% of the fees for students pursuing a BS degree at government universities and eight selected private universities.
| Scholarship Details | Information |
| Program Name | Punjab Honahar Merit Scholarship Programme |
| Total Scholarships | 25,000 |
| Eligible Institutions | Government & 8 selected private universities |
| Coverage | 100% fee for BS students |
This is a revolutionary step to promote higher education, especially for students from remote areas.
Contents
Increasing the Number of Scholarships
The decision to increase the number of scholarships from 4,000 to 25,000 is a significant step forward. By offering more scholarships, the government aims to help students from low-income families pursue higher education. The program covers tuition fees for students enrolled in BS programs at government universities and selected private institutions.
This increase in scholarships will allow more students to focus on their education without worrying about financial barriers.
Participation of the Private Sector
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz emphasized the importance of the private sector’s involvement in promoting higher education. She believes that private institutions can provide educational opportunities to students, especially those from remote areas. By collaborating with private universities, the government can reach more students and offer them the financial support they need.
The participation of the private sector will help expand access to quality education for students across Punjab.
Establishing New Universities
To further promote higher education, the Chief Minister has also directed authorities to establish new universities in the cities of Jhelum, Vehari, and Bahawalnagar. These universities will help meet the growing demand for higher education in these regions. The plan includes establishing universities under public-private partnerships, which will ensure that both the government and the private sector contribute to the growth of education.
These new institutions will provide local students with easier access to education, reducing the need to travel to other cities.
Merit-Based Appointments
CM Maryam Nawaz has instructed the education department to create a merit-based system for appointing Divisional Directors and Principals. This system will be managed through an online portal, ensuring that all appointments are transparent and fair. The goal is to appoint the most qualified candidates to leadership positions in educational institutions.
A fair and merit-based system will improve the quality of education in colleges across Punjab.
Expansion of MDCAT and ECAT Classes
The Chief Minister expressed her satisfaction with the success of free MDCAT and ECAT classes provided in 90 colleges across Punjab. These classes prepare students for medical and engineering entrance exams. She directed the authorities to gradually expand these classes to reach students in remote areas. The initiative has already helped many students, and expanding it will benefit even more.
This will give students in less developed areas an equal chance to succeed in competitive exams.
Promoting Mutual Aid and Cooperation
On World Mutual Aid Day, CM Maryam Nawaz highlighted the importance of cooperative institutions. She stressed that cooperative societies can play a key role in social and economic welfare by providing loans, agricultural equipment, and marketing services to farmers. Mutual aid institutions can also help reduce inequality by offering resources to those in need.
By promoting cooperation, the government aims to support community development across the province.
Also Read: New Registration Camps Set Up for CM Maryam’s ‘Apni Chat Apna Ghar’ Program
Conclusion
The Punjab Honahar Merit Scholarship Programme is a landmark initiative by CM Maryam Nawaz to support higher education in Punjab. By increasing the number of scholarships, collaborating with the private sector, and establishing new universities, the program will provide opportunities for students from all backgrounds. This program, combined with other initiatives like free MDCAT and ECAT classes, aims to make education more accessible and improve the quality of life for students in Punjab.