Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has approved the Scholarship Program besides setting up of new universities in Jhelum, Vehari and Bahawalnagar districts, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.
Presiding over a special meeting on higher education issues, CM Punjab ordered the relaunching of the laptop scheme. She also ordered to increase in the number of scholarships from 4 thousand to 25 thousand and the relaunching of the laptop scheme immediately.
CM Maryam has also increased the total number of BS scholarships from 4000 to 25000. Now Punjab government will offer 100 pc scholarships to intelligent students for public and 8 private sector universities.
During the meeting, it was decided to introduce new disciplines in colleges which with less number of students. Moreover, new disciplines related to the market requirement will be introduced in different colleges of the province.
During the meeting, the CM approved to introduction of an online portal system for the appointment of Divisional Directors and Principals purely on merit.
On the directives of the Chief Minister, a plan was discussed to provide new buses in government colleges. Recommendations for the establishment of universities under private-public partnerships were also reviewed. It was agreed that the government would facilitate the private sector to establish universities in the province.
In the meeting, it was decided to establish a high-level committee to review the affairs of private universities and it was also approved that Punjab Board Coordination Commission will be set up to bring reforms in the affairs of education boards.
CM Maryam expressed happiness over the successful program of MD CAT and E CAT free classes in 90 colleges in Punjab. Maryam Nawaz ordered that the scope of free MD CAT and CAT classes in colleges should be gradually expanded for students of remote areas.
On the occasion, CM Maryam Nawaz appreciated the performance of Provincial Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat and the Higher Education Department. Secretary of Higher Education Dr. Farrukh Naveed gave a detailed briefing during the meeting.
Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, Provincial Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat, Chief Secretary, Chairman P&D, Finance Secretary, Principal Secretary, and other officials were present.