
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has approved the resumption of the laptop scheme for students in Punjab after seven years. The decision was made during a meeting focused on higher education sector reforms and other initiatives aimed at promoting education and providing facilities to students.
Laptop Scheme for Students
During the meeting, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz announced that the provincial government would provide laptops to students in Punjab, reinstating the scheme that was previously discontinued. The laptop program is designed to support students in their studies and encourage technology-based learning.
Higher Education Sector Reforms
The meeting also discussed various projects aimed at promoting higher education in the province. An outline was presented on initiatives to enhance higher education, including the laptop scheme and transport facilities for students. The forum was informed that over 0.65 million students were studying in private and public universities in Punjab, with boys comprising 44% and girls 56% of the total.
Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, Provincial Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat, Information Minister Azma Zahid Bukhari, the chief secretary, secretary of higher education, and other officials attended the meeting to discuss the future course of education in the province.
Electric Bikes for Students
In addition to the laptop scheme, the Punjab government will provide 20,000 electric bikes to students across the province in easy installments. This initiative is aimed at promoting eco-friendly transportation and reducing pollution. CM Maryam Nawaz had earlier approved a plan to provide 20,000 electric bikes to students in easy installments. She highlighted the Revival of Educational Schemes
The decision to revive the laptop scheme comes after a long time. The scheme was initially part of the Prime Minister Youth Programme and was re-launched earlier in 2023 with a commitment to provide 100,000 laptops to youth across Pakistan. The last Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) government introduced the scheme, enabling students to continue their education and jobs during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Punjab government’s commitment to reviving and expanding educational schemes is expected to support the academic and professional growth of students across the province, contributing to the development of the education sector.