The Punjab Government has launched the latest phase of the Honehar Scholarship Program, aimed at supporting deserving students from across the province, particularly girls. As part of this new phase, the government is offering 30,000 scholarships based on merit to students who need financial assistance to continue their education. This initiative is a lifeline for many students and provides them with a golden opportunity to achieve their academic goals without financial barriers.
CM’s Announcement: 60% of Scholarships Reserved for Girls
At the official launch event for the Honehar Scholarship Program, Maryam Nawaz, the Chief Minister of Punjab, revealed that 60% of the scholarships would be reserved for girls, while 40% will be allocated to boys. This gender-focused allocation underscores the government’s commitment to promoting women’s education and empowering the daughters of Punjab to become self-reliant and successful.
The scholarship distribution will be managed through an online portal, which is designed to simplify the application process for students. This initiative is a step towards making education more accessible, especially for female students in rural areas and underserved communities.
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Key Highlights of the Punjab Honehar Scholarship Program
- 60% Scholarship Quota for Girls: 18,000 scholarships will be awarded to female students.
- 30,000 Merit-Based Scholarships: These will cover a wide range of academic disciplines.
- E-Portal for Easy Access: A dedicated online portal has been set up for easier application submission.
- Support for South Punjab: 32% of the selected students are from South Punjab, promoting inclusive growth.
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Punjab Honehar Scholarship For Girls: 60% Quota
During the inauguration of the Honehar Scholarship Program at Punjab University, Maryam Nawaz announced the groundbreaking decision to reserve 60% of the total scholarships for girls. This is a major step toward addressing gender disparities in education and providing more opportunities for female students across Punjab. At this event, CM Nawaz also distributed scholarships and cheques to successful applicants, marking a significant milestone in the program’s expansion.
Additionally, to make the scholarship process more accessible, the Punjab government launched an e-portal that simplifies the application process. This portal will allow students to apply online and track their applications from anywhere, eliminating the need for physical visits to government offices.
The overall scholarship allocation is as follows:
- 18,000 scholarships for girls (60% of the total)
- 12,000 scholarships for boys (40% of the total)
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Scholarship Breakdown:
| Category | Scholarship Allocation |
| Total Scholarships | 30,000 |
| Girls’ Quota | 18,000 (60%) |
| Boys’ Quota | 12,000 (40%) |
| South Punjab Students | 32% of selected students |
This initiative is not just about distributing scholarships but also about ensuring that both genders have equal access to higher education. CM Nawaz emphasized that the scholarship program will empower young women to break barriers and pursue careers in fields that were traditionally male-dominated.
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Eligibility Criteria for Honehar Scheme
To be eligible for the Honehar Scholarship, candidates must meet the following criteria:
- Age Limit: Applicants should be under 22 years of age as of the closing date.
- Family Income: The annual family income must not exceed INR 2.5 lakh.
- Residency: Applicants must be permanent residents of Punjab and provide proof of residency.
- Academic Performance:
- For medical colleges: At least 80% marks in FSc./Intermediate.
- For top universities: At least 80% marks in FSc./Intermediate.
- For public sector universities: Minimum 75% marks for Sciences and 70% marks for Arts and Social Sciences.
- For HED colleges: Minimum 65% marks for Sciences and 60% marks for Arts and Social Sciences.
- Enrollment: Applicants must be enrolled in a selective university or college, starting in the fall of 2024.
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How to Apply for the Honehar Scholarship Program
Applying for the Punjab Honehar Scholarship is easy and can be done through the official online portal. Follow these steps:
- Visit the Official Portal: Go to https://honhaarscholarship.punjabhec.gov.pk/.
- Login or Register: Click on the Login button on the portal’s homepage. If you are a new user, you will need to register by providing necessary details.
- Complete the Application Form: Fill in all the required details accurately, including personal information, academic history, and family income.
- Submit the Application: Once the form is completed, review it for any errors and then submit your application.
Be sure to keep all documents handy for verification during the registration process.
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Free Laptop Scheme: A Step Toward Digital Inclusion
In addition to the scholarships, CM Maryam Nawaz also announced the Free Laptop Scheme, which will begin in January 2025. This scheme is designed to provide free laptops to eligible students who do not have access to the necessary technology for their studies.
By providing laptops, the government aims to ensure that students have the tools they need to succeed in a digital-first world, enabling them to access online learning resources, complete assignments, and engage in research without hindrance.
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70,000 Applications Received for Honehar Scholarship
The Punjab Higher Education Department has received over 70,000 applications for the Honehar Scholarship program, signaling its success and popularity. Among these applicants, students from 12 medical colleges, 359 colleges, and 65 universities have shown strong interest in the program. This overwhelming response highlights the demand for educational support in the region.
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Important Dates and Deadlines
Make sure to keep track of the key dates for the Honehar Scholarship Program:
- Application Deadline: Please check the official website for the most current dates.
- Laptop Scheme Launch: Expected to start in January 2025.
Stay updated on the deadlines and ensure that you submit your application on time to avoid any last-minute issues.
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Conclusion
The Punjab Honehar Scholarship Program is a game-changer for students, especially for girls, as it provides financial assistance to continue their higher education. By reserving 60% of the scholarships for girls, the Punjab government is not only supporting the education of female students but also empowering them to achieve their academic dreams and build a prosperous future. The free laptop scheme further enhances this effort, making digital resources accessible to all students, ensuring they are well-equipped for success in the modern world.
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