LAHORE: The Punjab CM’s free laptop scheme is likely to be extended to students of private colleges and universities to empower youth and bridge the digital divide.
As of now, the free laptop scheme only benefits the students of public universities and colleges, who obtain a minimum of 65 percent marks in intermediate.
For public sector medical & dental colleges/universities, the minimum marks for eligibility are set at 80% in Intermediate.
CM Punjab Free Laptop Scheme for Private Students
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Tuesday presided over a meeting of ministers and secretaries, and asked the relevant authorities to present a proposal for apportioning laptop quotas for private colleges and universities.
Earlier, as part of the Chief Minister’s Laptop Program 2024–2025, 110,000 computers will be distributed among the students of Punjab to enhance their overall studies by providing the latest technology laptops.
The new condition introduced by the Punjab CM, Maryam, is that students must finish biometric verification at approved NADRA e-Sahulat Centers.
The program targets qualified students enrolled in public sector universities, colleges, and medical facilities throughout the province, per an official announcement from the Directorate of Public Instructions (Colleges), Punjab.
Approximately 7,000 students from chosen colleges will receive their laptops in a special event on April 30, 2025, as part of the program’s initial phase.
The Higher Education Department will pay for all verification expenses, and the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) will provide the required paperwork to be reimbursed.
To be eligible for the laptop distribution event, institutions must plan and make sure that students finish the verification process on time.
