Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has announced a series of transformative initiatives aimed at enhancing the educational landscape of the province. She approved the 'Ho-Nihar' merit scholarship programme, which will substantially increase the number of scholarships awarded to meritorious students.

Under the new scheme, the chief minister instructed, the number of scholarships should be increased from 4,000 to 25,000. This program will cover 100% of the fees for Bachelor of Science (BS) students in government institutions and eight selected private universities, making higher education more accessible to deserving students.

وزیر اعلی پنجاب مریم نوازشریف نے پنجاب ہونہار میرٹ سکالر شپ پروگرام کی منظوری دے دی

وزیراعلی مریم نوازشریف کی ہونہار سکالر شپ کی تعداد 4ہزار سے بڑھا کر 25ہزار کرنے کی ہدایت

سرکاری اور 8 منتخب پرائیویٹ یونیورسٹیوں سے بی ایس کرنے والے طلبہ کی100فیصد فیس سکالر شپ سے ادا ہوں گی… pic.twitter.com/8V8u2Jrfqf
— PMLN (@pmln_org) July 6, 2024

Additionally, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz approved the immediate establishment of new universities in Jhelum, Vehari, and Bahawalnagar. Further directives included the immediate release of the laptop scheme, aimed at providing students with the necessary tools to succeed in a digital learning environment.

Maryam Nawaz also emphasized the importance of introducing new disciplines in colleges with lower student enrollment, aligning courses with job market needs to ensure that graduates are well-prepared for employment.

To streamline administrative processes, an online portal system will be introduced for the appointment of divisional directors and principals. The government also plans to provide new buses for government colleges, improving transportation facilities for students.

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz chaired a special meeting, approved the Punjab "Ho-Nihar" merit scholarship Program.

Directed to increase the number of scholarships from 4k to 25k. pic.twitter.com/ydG0ay52P4
— Maryamazing (@MaryamMania) July 6, 2024

The meeting also reviewed recommendations for establishing universities under public-private partnerships, with an agreement to facilitate the private sector in setting up universities at the government level. Maryam Nawaz advised forming a high-level ministerial committee to review the affairs of private universities, ensuring quality and accountability.

In an effort to reform the education boards, the decision to establish the Punjab Board Coordination Commission was made. This commission will focus on implementing reforms to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of education boards.

Maryam Nawaz expressed her satisfaction with the successful implementation of free MDCAT and E-CAT classes in 90 colleges across Punjab. She emphasized expanding the scope of these free preparatory classes to students from remote areas, ensuring equal opportunities for all.

"Private sector facilities should be utilized for the promotion of higher education," said Maryam Nawaz. She highlighted that with the participation of the private sector, youth from remote areas would gain more opportunities for higher education.

These initiatives reflect the Chief Minister's commitment to improving educational standards, accessibility, and infrastructure in Punjab, paving the way for a more educated and empowered youth.