Punjab has rolled out the second phase of its Chief Minister’s Laptop Scheme, under which another 30,000 laptops will be provided to eligible students studying in universities across the province. Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat said the first shipment of laptops has already reached Punjab, while Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has approved the distribution of over 70,000 laptops during this year.
According to the minister, the initiative is designed to give students access to modern technology, strengthen digital learning, and support higher education in Punjab. The remaining laptops will be handed out in different phases after the eligibility and verification process is completed.
The announcement follows the Punjab government’s decision to allocate a record Rs750 billion for the education sector in the 2026-27 budget, reflecting its commitment to improving educational facilities and expanding access to technology for students.
As part of the budget, the School Education Department has been allocated Rs600.78 billion for current expenditures, while Rs13.18 billion has been set aside for development projects. An amount of Rs570.52 billion has also been earmarked for grants and subsidies for district education authorities and public schools.
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Meanwhile, the Higher Education Department will receive Rs83.48 billion for current expenditures and Rs11.15 billion for development projects. The budget also includes Rs68.72 billion for salaries and other employee-related expenses.
The Chief Minister’s Laptop Scheme remains one of Punjab’s major student welfare programs. It aims to reduce the digital gap by providing free laptops to deserving students enrolled in public sector universities and colleges.
In addition to supporting online education and research, the scheme is expected to help students build the digital skills needed for higher studies and future career opportunities.
The Punjab government is likely to announce the eligibility criteria and distribution schedule for the latest batch of laptops in the coming weeks.