In the provincial budget 2017-18 presented on Friday evening, the government of Punjab has allocated a whopping Rs7 billion for laptop scheme. The funds allocation is pronounced as means to provide ample amount of opportunities to the province’s youth.
On Friday (2nd June), Provincial Minister for Punjab Dr. Ayesha Ghaus Pasha announced that the Punjab government has apportioned Rs7 billion for CM Punjab laptop scheme. Subsequently, over 100,000 laptops will be distributed among the students, on merit.
Also Read: PM youth loan scheme – Punjab receives a whopping 75% share
It is noteworthy to mention that this was the fifth and the last budget announced by the sitting government. Notably, there has been an upward trend of funds allocation, especially when it comes to allocating funds for education, health and youth programs. Earlier, the Government of Punjab announced Rs9 billion for several youth schemes out of which Rs4 billion was exclusively kept for laptop scheme.
Controversy around laptop scheme?
The laptop scheme has always been seen as a controversial program. From being touted as a publicity gimmick to corruption allegations, quite a few scandals have always surrounded the scheme. It has been reported that students get to face number of problems in order to secure a free laptop. The process is quite lengthy, tiresome and complicated. In January 2017, educational institutes made a lot of money as they asked the students to pay for the certificate in order to attain the laptop.
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Budget for other youth programs
The breakdown of the Punjab Budget for some of the other youth programs are:
- Rs5 billion for Sports
- Rs11 billion for Punjab Educational Endowment Fund for scholarships
- Rs5 billion for Orange Cab Scheme for unemployed individuals
- Rs50,000 cars for Apna Rozgar Scheme
Read More: Shehbaz Sharif approves Rs15 billion Khadim-e-Punjab project for schools
It is pertinent to mention that Federal government has also reserved a colossal amount of Rs20 billion for skill development, PM’s laptop scheme and other youth programs.
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