Financial Support for Girls’ Education
The Punjab Government has restarted the Zewar-e-Taleem Program to help female students from 6th to 10th standard continue their education. This initiative, managed by the School Education Department, Punjab Social Protection Authority, and the Bank of Punjab, ensures that girls in 16 districts receive a monthly stipend of 1000 rupees. The main requirement is an attendance condition of at least 80%, which encourages regular school attendance and supports school enrollments in government schools. Registration centers have been set up in 206 schools, where bank representatives will help with the registration process. To check their eligibility, parents can visit the Punjab Social Protection Authority website (pspa.punjab.gov.pk) or contact the Helpline 1221.
To receive the cash assistance, parents must provide their National Identity Card and a registered mobile number. Payments will be made through biometric verification at cashout agents, including HBL Konnect, Alpha Pay, and Omni Pay. This scholarship program is designed to help poor girls by reducing the impact of the low literacy rate and ensuring necessary nutrition. By improving financial support, the initiative aims to help students achieve complete education, ultimately empowering them for a brighter future.
Stipend Details and Conditions
Under the Zewar-e-Taleem Program, female students studying in government schools will receive a monthly stipend of 1000 rupees. This financial support is meant to encourage school enrollments and help students continue their education without financial burden. However, to qualify for this cash assistance, students must meet the attendance condition, which requires maintaining at least 80% attendance. This rule ensures that students not only register but also actively participate in school, reducing dropout rates and promoting complete education.
Punjab Government Relaunches Zewar-e-Taleem Program – Key Points
Easy Registration for Female Students
- The Punjab Government has restarted the Zewar-e-Taleem initiative to help female students from grades 6 to 10 continue their education.
- The registration campaign is being conducted in collaboration with the Punjab Social Protection Authority (PSPA) and the Bank of Punjab.
- Designated schools have been set up where representatives guide students through the registration process to ensure a smooth experience.
Convenient Registration Options
- Online registration is available via the PSPA website, allowing parents and guardians to enroll their children easily.
- A total of 206 registration centers have been established across 16 districts to help facilitate student enrollment.
- Applicants can check their registration status online at pspa.punjab.gov.pk or by calling the Helpline 1221 for further assistance.
Eligibility Criteria for Zewar-e-Taleem Program
- Only female students enrolled in government schools from 6th to 10th grade can apply.
- Minimum 80% attendance is required to continue receiving the stipend.
- The student must belong to one of the 16 designated districts of Punjab.
- The program is specifically for low-income families or those living below the poverty line.
Zewar-e-Taleem Application Process
To apply for the Zewar-e-Taleem Program, students must gather required documents such as the B-Form (Birth Certificate), school verification certificate, and parent/guardian’s CNIC. If available, proof of economic status should also be provided. The application can be submitted at designated registration centers or through the PSPA website for online registration.
Once the application is submitted, the Punjab Social Protection Authority (PSPA) and school authorities will verify the documents to confirm eligibility. Upon successful verification, eligible students will receive a monthly stipend of Rs. 1,000 through branchless banking services, provided they meet the attendance requirement.
Zewar-e-Taleem Program – Required Documents & Eligible Districts
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Required Documents for Registration:
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- B-Form to verify the student’s identity.
- Parent or Guardian’s Identity Card for family verification.
- School Verification Certificate, confirming enrollment in a government school and meeting the attendance requirement.
- Two passport-size photographs of the student.
- Proof of Poverty or BISP Registration to confirm low-income status, such as Benazir Income Support Program (BISP) registration or any official documentation.
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List of Eligible Districts:
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- The Zewar-e-Taleem Program is being implemented in 16 districts of Punjab, which include:
Bahawalnagar, Bahawalpur, Bhakkar, Chiniot, Dera Ghazi Khan (DG Khan), Jhang, Kasur, Khanewal, Kot Addu, Layyah, Lodhran, Muzaffargarh, Okara, Pakpattan, Rajanpur, Rahim Yar Khan, and Vehari.
- The Zewar-e-Taleem Program is being implemented in 16 districts of Punjab, which include:
Eligibility Check for the Zewar-e-Taleem Program
- Online Eligibility Check – Visit the Punjab Social Protection Authority (PSPA) website (pspa.punjab.gov.pk) and click “Check Eligibility.” Enter the child’s ID card number and form number, then submit to receive eligibility status.
- SMS-Based Eligibility Check – Open the messaging app on your mobile phone, compose a message with the child’s form number and ID card number, and send it to 1221. You will receive an instant response confirming eligibility.
- Eligibility Requirements – Only female students enrolled in a government school in grades six to ten are eligible. Students must have at least 80% attendance and belong to low-income families or live below the poverty line.
- Registration Process – If eligible, students must register at designated centers or through online registration, where biometric verification and document submission will be required.
- Further Assistance – Additional information, updates, and assistance are available via the PSPA helpline or their official website.
Benefits of the Zewar-e-Taleem Program
- Financial Support for Students – The program provides a monthly allowance of Rs. 1,000 to help cover education-related expenses for female students.
- Encourages School Attendance – Students must maintain regular school attendance to continue receiving the stipend, ensuring consistent participation in education.
- Reduces Dropout Rates – The financial incentive ensures that students are less likely to drop out due to economic hardships.
- Promotes Higher Enrollment – The initiative aims to increase enrollment rates among girls in the concerned districts, making education more accessible.
- Empowers Female Students – By providing financial aid, the program helps girls become more independent and motivated to complete their studies.
- Strengthens Literacy Rates – With more students staying in school, the literacy rate improves, leading to a more educated population.
- Enhances Socio-Economic Conditions – More graduates mean better employment opportunities, improving overall socio-economic conditions.
- Long-Term Community Impact – Education is a long-term investment, and by helping girls stay in school, the program benefits entire communities by fostering development and reducing poverty.
Impact of Zewar-e-Taleem Program
- Higher Enrollment in Public Schools – The program has led to increased enrollment rates for girls in public sector schools, allowing more young women to continue their education.
- Lower Dropout Rates – The monthly stipend of PKR 1,000 encourages students to attend school regularly, reducing dropout rates.
- Improved Literacy Rates – Communities have benefited from higher literacy rates, especially among young women, leading to better educational outcomes.
- Promotion of Girls’ Education – Beyond the financial stipend, the program has played a vital role in promoting the importance of education for girls in Punjab.
Zewar-e-Taleem Program Challenges
- Lack of Awareness in Remote Areas – Many eligible families in rural and remote areas remain unaware of the program’s benefits and how to apply.
- Difficulties in Attendance Monitoring – Maintaining accurate attendance records is challenging for schools in rural areas, making stipend distribution more difficult.
- Limited Outreach – The program needs better awareness and outreach efforts to ensure more students benefit from the initiative.
Conclusion
The Zewar-e-Taleem Program is a crucial initiative by the Punjab Government aimed at providing financial support to female students studying in government schools from 6th to 10th grade. By offering a monthly stipend of Rs. 1,000, this program ensures that students from low-income families can continue their education without financial barriers. The Punjab Social Protection Authority (PSPA) and Bank of Punjab have collaborated to simplify registration through 206 designated centers and online platforms. Parents can check their eligibility via pspa.punjab.gov.pk or by sending an SMS to 1221. This initiative promotes school enrollments, encourages regular attendance, and helps reduce dropout rates, ultimately empowering young girls with education and opportunities for a brighter future.
While the program has significantly increased literacy rates and school participation, it faces challenges such as awareness issues in rural areas and attendance monitoring difficulties. However, with continued government support and community engagement, the Zewar-e-Taleem Program can play a transformative role in enhancing female education and improving socio-economic conditions in Punjab.
FAQs
Who is eligible for the Zewar-e-Taleem Program?
Only female students enrolled in government schools from grades 6 to 10 in 16 districts of Punjab are eligible. They must maintain at least 80% attendance and belong to low-income families.
How can parents check their child’s eligibility for the stipend?
Parents can check eligibility by visiting the Punjab Social Protection Authority (PSPA) website at pspa.punjab.gov.pk or by sending an SMS with the child’s form number and ID card number to 1221.
What documents are required for registration?
Students need to provide their B-Form (Birth Certificate), school verification certificate, parent/guardian’s CNIC, and proof of low-income status (such as BISP registration) if available.
Where can students register for the Zewar-e-Taleem stipend?
Registration can be done at 206 designated schools with Bank of Punjab representatives or through online registration on the PSPA website.
How will the stipend be disbursed to eligible students?
The Rs. 1,000 monthly stipend will be transferred via HBL Konnect, Alpha Pay, Omni Pay, or through biometric verification at authorized cashout agents.
What should I do if I do not receive my stipend on time?
If payments are delayed, parents should check eligibility status online, visit the nearest PSPA center, or contact the Helpline 1221 for further assistance.