Recognising merit: PM announces award for Matric topping Revtash Kumar

PM gives Rs500,000 award to Kumar in addition to pledging to bear all expenses incurred in his higher education.

ISLAMABAD: After reports emerged of how Revtash Kumar, the son of a shoemaker could not continue his education despite topping matriculation examinations, Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf has announced an award of Rs500,000.

Responding to the appeal of Kumar’s father, who said he could not afford further education for his son on the Rs100-Rs150 daily wage, a spokesperson for prime minister said the  federal government will bear all expenses of Kumar’s higher education.

The statement termed Kumar’s achievement as an inspiration for the youth since it proved that knowledge is not the exclusive preserve of the privileged.

Kumar’s success story comes just days after that Muhammad Muhsen Ali, a tandoor worker who secured first position in BA examinations by the University of Punjab. Ashraf had announced rupees one million for Muhsen.