My sister’s predicament

MULTAN: With referenceto the Punjab government’s laptop scheme for the supposed benefit of bright students, I want to bring to light a painful aspect of this scheme. My sister, a medical student at the Quad-i-Azam Medical College, Bahawalpur was a recipient of an annual scholarship worth Rs35,000, but this year the university refused to give that amount because the money had been invested in the laptop scheme. She was also among the top-ranked students in the merit list for laptops but wasn’t awarded one because of their shortage. However, many among the student body did receive laptops, although they were among the lowest-ranked in the merit list. This predicament is being faced by several bright students.

I request the Punjab chief minister to look into the matter as the lives of bright students have been made miserable because of this laptop scheme. If he had decided to initiate the laptop scheme, why was the money meant for scholarships spent on it? How can a Rs25,000 laptop replace a Rs35,000 scholarship, especially when one doesn’t even get to benefit from either?

I can’t even name my sister in this letter because she could get into a lot of trouble with the university administration and faculty if they get to know that she is actually trying to go public with her complaint. I sincerely hope that this situation is rectified by the Punjab government as soon as possible.

Shoaib Tariq

Published in The Express Tribune, August 11^th, 2012.