On Tuesday, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz launched the Rs 130 billion ‘Honhaar Scholarship Program’.
The Punjab Higher Education Department announced that over 68,000 students from 65 universities, 359 colleges, and 12 medical colleges have applied for the scholarship, praising it as a significant move by the Chief Minister to enhance higher education.
Eligibility Criteria for the Honhaar Scholarship Program:
- Applicants must hold a domicile from any district in Punjab.
- The age limit is 22 years as of the closing date.
- Candidates should be enrolled in selected disciplines at eligible institutions for the fall session 2024, including newly admitted MBBS and BDS students.
- The family’s monthly income must not exceed Rs 300,000, supported by an affidavit.
Minimum Percentage Requirements:
- Medical Colleges: 80% or above
- Top Universities: 80% or above
- Public Sector Universities: 75% or above for Science, 70% or above for Arts and Social Sciences
- HED Colleges: 65% or above for Science, 60% or above for Arts and Social Sciences
The Honhaar Scholarship will support students across 68 disciplines. In line with Maryam Nawaz’s vision, it aims to grant scholarships to 30,000 students annually. It covers full tuition fees for undergraduate programs lasting four to five years.
In related developments, on November 18, the Punjab government expanded the ‘Maryam Ki Dastak’ program to 32 districts of the province, following directives from Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz. The government has incorporated ten new districts into the program, including Rahim Yar Khan, Vehari, Lodhran, Toba Tek Singh, Layyah, Rajanpur, Nankana Sahib, Chiniot, Gujrat, and Khushab.
During a progress review meeting in Lahore, Faisal Yousaf, Chairman of the Punjab Information Technology Board, stated that the ‘Maryam Ki Dastak’ initiative aims to enhance service delivery. Trained representatives will ensure a more efficient and user-friendly experience for citizens.
