Islamabad, Nov 20: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has introduced the Honhaar Scholarship Program, valued at Rs. 130 billion, to support higher education in the province. According to the Punjab Higher Education Department, over 68,000 students from 65 universities, 359 colleges, and 12 medical colleges have already applied. CM Maryam Nawaz commended the program as a significant step forward in enhancing higher education.
Eligibility for the Honhaar Scholarship:
- Domicile: Must be a resident of Punjab.
- Age Limit: Applicants must be under 22 years old by the closing date.
- Enrollment: Must be enrolled in eligible disciplines for the fall 2024 session, including MBBS and BDS.
- Family Income: Must earn less than Rs. 300,000 per month (affidavit required).
- Academic Requirements:
- Medical Colleges: Minimum 80% marks.
- Top Universities: Minimum 80% marks.
- Public Universities: Science (75%+), Arts & Social Sciences (70%+).
- HED Colleges: Science (65%+), Arts & Social Sciences (60%+).
The program will fully cover tuition fees for undergraduate degree programs lasting 4-5 years, with an annual goal to support 30,000 students.
Expansion of the Maryam Ki Dastak Program:
On November 18, the Punjab government extended the Maryam Ki Dastak initiative to 32 districts, including 10 new ones such as Rahim Yar Khan, Vehari, and Gujrat. Faisal Yousaf, Chairman of the Punjab Information Technology Board, mentioned that the program aims to improve service delivery with trained representatives, ensuring a more efficient and user-friendly experience for citizens.
These initiatives showcase CM Maryam Nawaz’s dedication to educational and governance reforms
