In a significant move aimed at bolstering educational opportunities for students in Punjab, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif greenlit the revival of the laptop scheme after a hiatus of seven years. The decision was made during a high-level meeting focused on reforms in the higher education sector, chaired by CM Maryam herself.
The provincial government announced that students across Punjab would once again benefit from the latest laptops, marking a revival of the initiative that had been suspended for nearly a decade. The meeting, which delved into various aspects of higher education reform, also included discussions on enhancing student transportation facilities.
During the session, it was revealed that more than 0.65 million students were currently enrolled in both private and public universities across Punjab. Statistics presented indicated that 44% of university students were male, while 56% were female, highlighting the diverse participation in higher education.
Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, Provincial Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat, Information Minister Azma Zahid Bukhari, along with key officials, were among those present at the meeting.
The decision to revive the laptop scheme follows a previous announcement made on May 26, 2023, by the then-Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) on Youth Affairs, Shaza Fatima Khawaja. Khawaja had outlined plans to relaunch the scheme under the Prime Minister Youth Programme, aiming to distribute 100,000 laptops to the youth.
Reflecting on the impact of the previous laptop distribution, Khawaja had emphasized its role in facilitating continued education and employment opportunities, particularly during the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
In addition to the laptop scheme, CM Maryam also revealed plans to provide 20,000 electric bikes to students across the province, as part of efforts to promote eco-friendly transportation alternatives. Acknowledging concerns regarding battery theft and limited mileage of electric bikes, she announced a scheme to offer both electric and petrol bikes on easy installment plans, catering to diverse needs and preferences.
With these initiatives, the Punjab government aims to foster a conducive environment for educational advancement and sustainable transportation, prioritizing the welfare and empowerment of students across the province.
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