Punjab approves Rs57b for development projects, laptop scheme

LAHORE: The Provincial Development Working Party (DWP) on Thursday approved Rs57.38 billion for multiple development projects in Punjab.

In the 70th meeting of Punjab’s DWP, chaired by Planning & Development P&D Board Chairman Barrister Nabeel Ahmed Awan, Rs 27.49 billion were approved for Punjab Chief Minister Laptop Scheme.

Punjab govt to spend Rs10 billion on Laptop Scheme

Additionally, the meeting approved Rs 9.17 billion for the establishment of University of Child Health Sciences in Lahore, Rs 1.2 billion for construction of multi-storey building for Additional Sessions Judges and Civil Judges in Sheikhupura, Rs 9.59 billion for establishment of Punjab Enforcement and Regulatory Authority stations, Rs 4.41 billion for construction of Punjab Revenue Authority (PRA) headquarters in Lahore and Rs 1.73 billion for the establishment of material testing laboratories in Gujranwala and Sialkot.

In addition to these, the DWP also approved Rs 2.16 billion for establishment of aquaculture malls in the province. Financing of Rs 2.26 billion was also approved for the revamping project of OPD blocks of Tertiary Care Hospitals.

PUNJAB GOVT’S LAPTOP SCHEME

Earlier in March, the provincial government of Punjab, under Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) announced the revival of the laptop scheme. From election campaigns to social media memes, distribution of laptops to students has long been associated with the PML-N government. Staying in line with that, the Punjab government has now launched registration for the “CM Punjab Laptop Scheme 2025”.

This year’s campaign is aiming to provide 110,000 latest-generation laptops to outstanding students. Out of these, 2,000 laptops will be earmarked for students belonging to the minority communities. Students from South Punjab will have 32 per cent quota in this scheme.

PMLN govt brings back popular laptop scheme, registration opens

Students from public sector colleges and universities with minimum 65 per cent marks in Intermediate, and students of public sector Medical & Dental Colleges with minimum 80 per cent marks in Intermediate are eligible for the scheme.

The laptops will be distributed to qualified candidates after Ramazan 2025. Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz confirmed that the first shipment of laptops has arrived.