Government Launches Prime Minister’s Youth Laptop Programme to Boost IT Start-ups
In a bid to promote the growth of IT start-ups in Pakistan, the government has introduced specific incentives in the 2019 federal budget. Bilal Azhar Kayani, Coordinator for Economy and Energy under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, recently announced that the budget includes provisions for the distribution of 100,000 computers to young people this year. This initiative, known as the Prime Minister’s Youth Laptop Programme, aims to equip students with the necessary tools to excel in the field of information technology.
The application process for the Prime Minister’s Youth Laptop Programme has been made convenient for aspiring students. According to the Higher Education Commission (HEC), interested candidates can submit their applications online through the official website: https://laptop.pmyp.gov.pk/. However, there are certain eligibility criteria that applicants must fulfill in order to be considered for the program.
To be eligible for the laptop distribution, students must be enrolled in public sector universities or degree-granting institutions that have been duly approved by the HEC. It is important to note that the enrollment must be completed by June 30, 2023. Moreover, students must have been admitted after June 30, 2018, and before June 30, 2023, for five-year degree programs. For four-year programs, admission must have taken place between June 30, 2019, and June 30, 2023.
The government has also announced the availability of 60,000 internships for students, further emphasizing its commitment to fostering a skilled and competitive workforce. Similar enrollment requirements apply to students interested in joining two-year programs, who must have been admitted between June 30, 2021, and June 30, 2023.
During the distribution of laptops at each educational institution, the eligibility and enrollment status of students, as mentioned earlier, will be verified. Laptops will only be provided to students who have submitted their applications through the online portal within the stipulated time and meet the predetermined selection criteria.
The distribution of laptops will be based on merit, with the percentage of laptops allocated to each degree program determined by the number of enrolled students. In order to qualify for a laptop, students must have achieved a minimum of 60% marks in the annual system or 70% marks in the semester system.
The Prime Minister’s Youth Laptop Programme aims to empower students and provide them with the necessary tools to excel in the rapidly evolving field of information technology. By equipping young minds with computers and encouraging their participation in IT-related initiatives, the government is taking significant steps towards cultivating a thriving start-up ecosystem in Pakistan. This initiative holds immense potential for the country’s economic growth, as it nurtures a talented pool of IT professionals and promotes innovation in the digital landscape.
