LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz chaired a special meeting of the Higher Education Department, directing authorities to launch the “Punjab Honahar Merit Scholarship Programme” and a laptop scheme for students in the province, according to an official statement issued on Saturday.
She instructed an increase in meritorious scholarships from 4,000 to 25,000, emphasizing that 100% of fees for BS students in government and selected private universities would be covered by the scholarships.
During the meeting, she advocated for enhancing private sector involvement to promote higher education, particularly in remote areas, and reviewed proposals for establishing universities through public-private partnerships. She also supported the construction of new universities in Jhelum, Vehari, and Bahawalnagar.
Furthermore, the Chief Minister decided to introduce market-driven disciplines in colleges with fewer students and implement a transparent online portal system for the merit-based appointment of divisional directors and principals. Plans for providing new buses to government colleges were also discussed.
Maryam Nawaz announced the formation of the Punjab Board Coordination Commission to reform education board affairs and suggested the formation of a ministerial committee to oversee private university matters.
She expressed satisfaction with the successful implementation of MD CAT and E CAT free classes in 90 Punjab colleges, urging the gradual expansion of these programs for students from remote areas.
The performance of Provincial Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat and the Higher Education Department was commended during the meeting.
