Honhaar Scholarship Program 2024: Eligibility Criteria Announced
In a significant move to empower students, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has unveiled the Rs. 130 billion Honhaar Scholarship Program. The initiative, designed to support higher education, has already garnered attention, with over 68,000 applications from students representing 65 universities, 359 colleges, and 12 medical colleges. The Chief Minister hailed it as a transformative step for the province’s education sector.
Eligibility Criteria for Honhaar Scholarship Program
Academic Performance Requirements
To qualify for the scholarship, applicants must meet the following academic criteria:
- Medical Colleges: Minimum 80% or above.
- Top Universities: Minimum 80% or above.
- Public Sector Universities:
- Science Disciplines: Minimum 75% or above.
- Arts & Social Sciences: Minimum 70% or above.
- Higher Education Department (HED) Colleges:
- Science Disciplines: Minimum 65% or above.
- Arts & Social Sciences: Minimum 60% or above.
Additional Requirements
- Domicile: Must belong to any district in Punjab.
- Age Limit: Not older than 22 years as of the closing date.
- Enrollment: Applicants must be enrolled in eligible disciplines at recognized universities or colleges for the Fall 2024 session, including newly admitted MBBS and BDS students.
- Family Income: Monthly income should be less than Rs. 300,000 (requires submission of an affidavit).
Scholarship Coverage
The Honhaar Scholarship Program covers 68 disciplines and aims to award scholarships to 30,000 students annually. It will fully fund tuition fees for four- and five-year undergraduate degree programs, ensuring accessible education for deserving students.
Expansion of Maryam Ki Dastak Program
New Districts Added
In related news, the Punjab government has expanded the Maryam Ki Dastak Program to cover 32 districts under the directives of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz. This includes the addition of 10 new districts:
- Rahim Yar Khan
- Vehari
- Lodhran
- Toba Tek Singh
- Layyah
- Rajanpur
- Nankana Sahib
- Chiniot
- Gujrat
- Khushab
Objectives of the Expansion
During a review meeting in Lahore, PITB Chairman Faisal Yousaf emphasized that this initiative aims to:
- Enhance service delivery.
- Train representatives for efficient citizen-friendly experiences.
This move aligns with the government’s broader vision of ensuring that government services reach every citizen effectively.
Conclusion
The Honhaar Scholarship Program and the expansion of the Maryam Ki Dastak Program represent pivotal steps in Punjab’s journey toward educational excellence and improved service delivery. These initiatives underscore Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s commitment to fostering growth and empowering the youth of Punjab.
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