Punjab launches free Google-backed IT courses for 100,000 students

The Punjab government has announced a new set of education initiatives, with Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz approving reforms focused on scholarships, IT training and institutional upgrades in collaboration with Google.

The decisions were finalised during a meeting in Lahore, where officials reviewed plans for expanding student support, improving college infrastructure and introducing new performance monitoring measures across the education sector.

Under the new programme, more than 100,000 students across Punjab will receive free Google-supported certification courses. The courses, which usually cost between $400 and $1,000, will cover areas including cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and business intelligence, with durations ranging from three to six months.

The chief minister also approved the establishment of modern IT laboratories in 166 government colleges. A new performance evaluation system will be introduced as well, setting key performance indicators for principals, teachers, institutions and vice chancellors of public universities.

The Honhaar Scholarship Programme has also been expanded, with approval granted to award scholarships to 62,949 students at the same time for the first time. Authorities have been directed to ensure that all eligible students are included, with funds to be released in phases.

In another step, 36 commerce colleges in 29 districts will be affiliated with 19 public universities. These colleges will offer 14 BS programmes in subjects such as business, finance, IT and e-commerce.

The government has also approved electric bus services for students. In the second phase of the laptop scheme, special and minority students will be included on an open merit basis.

Officials told the meeting that more than 38,000 students benefited in the first phase of the laptop programme, while over 142,000 applications have been received for the next phase.

The meeting was also informed that around 994,000 students appeared in Grade 8 assessments, with a 92% pass rate among female students and 84% among male students. Maryam Nawaz noted that female students secured the top three positions.

Authorities have further been directed to take immediate steps to improve educational institutions in Sargodha and other areas.