KARACHI: The Sindh government has approved scholarships for 2,723 students pursuing higher education. The decision was made during a meeting of the Sindh Education Endowment Fund Trust (SEEF), according to a press release issued.
The scholarships, for the 2023–24 academic year, are for students from Sindh studying at universities across Pakistan. The meeting was led by Education Minister Syed Sardar Ali Shah, who is the chairman of the SEEF Board of Trustees. College Education Secretary Shahab Qamar Ansari, School Education Secretary Zahid Ali Abbasi, Additional Secretary Judicial & SEEF Iqbal Jamani, SEEF board members, and other officials attended.
Minister Shah explained that the SEEF was created to help underprivileged and talented students access higher education. He noted that the scholarships allow students from Sindh to study at more than 90 public and private universities in Pakistan. The board also renewed scholarships for 4,877 existing students, making a total of 7,600 students supported this year.
The meeting was informed that SEEF’s total capital is Rs9.2 billion, and the profit from this amount is used to cover students’ fees. The board decided to discuss linking SEEF scholarships with university admissions in the next meeting.
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Minister Shah stressed the need to work with universities to make the admission process easier for students waiting for scholarship approval. He said many students face financial challenges in reaching universities and that the scholarship process should be made simpler.
He also directed that the scholarship application process be fully digitized, eliminating paper applications. A digital dashboard and an automated system for reviewing applications will be developed to improve transparency.
Minister Shah was unhappy that university vice-chancellors, who are board members, did not attend the meeting. He said they should participate and share ideas to help students access education more easily.
Since its start in 2003, the Sindh Education Endowment Fund Trust has helped over 37,550 students complete their higher education through scholarships.
In another initiative, the Sindh government has launched the Pink EV Scooty Scheme to provide free electric scooters to female students and working women in the province. The program aims to improve their mobility, independence, and access to safe transportation.
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The Transport and Mass Transit Department is managing the scheme, which is for permanent Sindh residents who are either students or employed. Applicants must have a valid motorbike or car driving license and agree not to sell or rent out the scooter for at least seven years.
A committee with members from the Excise, Transport, and Finance departments, along with media representatives, will oversee a fair balloting process to select recipients. Chosen applicants will need to pass a road safety skill test.
Women can apply through the Sindh Mass Transit Authority’s website by going to the “Projects” section, filling out the “EV Scooty Ballot Form – Application Form,” attaching required documents, and submitting online.
This program supports national efforts to promote electric vehicles. The Ministry of Industries and Production recently signed an agreement with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) to encourage investment in electric two- and three-wheelers in Pakistan. The IFC will assist with policy changes and technical support, working with regulatory bodies to promote sustainable electric mobility nationwide.
