Islamabad (Web Desk): Prime Minister Imran Khan formally launched Ehsaas Undergraduate Scholarship Programme on Monday.
Addressing the launching ceremony in Islamabad, the prime minister said that granting scholarships on merit to deserving undergraduate students is another step towards the realisation of goal of a welfare state based on the pattern of state of Madina.
PM Imran said that this programme complements his roadmap to transform Pakistan on the model of state of Madina.
The prime minister said in that model, Prophet Muhammad (SAWW) had ensured that it was responsibility of state to care and look after the weaker segments of society.
Appreciating the Ehsaas Undergraduate Scholarship Program, he said the state will increase the number of scholarships as well as the funds of HEC when financial situation improves.
The premier expressed the hope that the recipients of this scholarship will study with dedication to bring laurels to the country in various fields.
He congratulated Dr Sania Nishtar for launching this programme and other schemes under Ehsaas umbrella, the Radio Pakistan reported.
Imran Khan also handed over the scholarship award letters to selected students.
Earlier, Special Assistant to Prime Minister (SAPM) on Poverty Alleviation and Social Welfare Dr Sania Nishtar said the scholarships will be awarded on transparency and merit to help the deserving students get education
She said that 50,000 scholarships will be given each year to the deserving students of 119 public sector universities across the country, including Azad Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan. A total of 200,000 students will benefit from this program.
Nishtar said that 50% quota has been fixed in the undergraduate scholarship programme for the female students while 2% for the students with special needs.
She said the scholarship program covers the tuition fee and four thousand rupees will be given to the students as a monthly stipend.
The SAPM said that over 132,000 students have applied for the scholarship.
It may be noted that the programme will be overseen by the Ehsaas Scholarships Steering Committee and co-chaired by Higher Education Commission (HEC) and Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) chairpersons.