Zewar-e-Taleem Program: Empowering Girls Through Conditional Cash Transfers
The Zewar-e-Taleem Program provides financial assistance to girls enrolled in public sector schools in 16 low-literacy districts of Punjab. This initiative, run by the Punjab Social Protection Authority (PSPA), is designed to improve school enrollment and retention, while addressing the essential needs of adolescent girls. The program offers a PKR 3000 stipend per quarter, paid via branchless banking, for girls from grades 6 to 10, on the condition that they maintain 80% school attendance.
Objectives of the Program
- Increase Enrollment and Retention: The program aims to reduce dropout rates and ensure that girls complete their secondary education.
- Address Nutritional and Economic Needs: The stipend helps alleviate financial pressures on families, allowing them to focus on better nutrition and other essentials for their daughters.
Program Implementation and Mechanism
The Zewar-e-Taleem Program is implemented through a streamlined process that ensures efficient fund distribution and verification.
- Enrollment:
Girls enrolled in grades 6 to 10 in public sector schools in the targeted districts are automatically registered for the program. They must maintain 80% attendance to be eligible for the stipend. Attendance reports are collected quarterly from the School Education Department. - Biometric Verification:
Once attendance is verified, parents must complete biometric verification at designated Omni agents or through other branchless banking services like UBL Alfa or Konnect. This ensures that funds are disbursed securely. - Fund Disbursement:
Upon successful verification, families receive PKR 3000 every quarter. They can withdraw the stipend using their national ID card and registered mobile number from branchless banking agents.
Target Districts
The Zewar-e-Taleem Program focuses on the following 16 districts with low literacy rates:
| District | Stipend (PKR) |
|---|---|
| Bahawalnagar | 3000 per quarter |
| Bahawalpur | 3000 per quarter |
| Bhakkar | 3000 per quarter |
| Chiniot | 3000 per quarter |
| Dera Ghazi Khan | 3000 per quarter |
| Jhang | 3000 per quarter |
| Kasur | 3000 per quarter |
| Khanewal | 3000 per quarter |
| Kot Addu | 3000 per quarter |
| Layyah | 3000 per quarter |
| Lodhran | 3000 per quarter |
| Muzaffargarh | 3000 per quarter |
| Okara | 3000 per quarter |
| Pakpattan | 3000 per quarter |
| Rahim Yar Khan | 3000 per quarter |
| Rajanpur | 3000 per quarter |
| Vehari | 3000 per quarter |
Eligibility and Exclusion
- Students in grades 6 to 10 attending public schools in these districts are eligible for the program.
- To receive the stipend, students must have 80% attendance.
- Grade 10 students are automatically excluded from the program after completing their academic year.
- Students who drop out of school also become ineligible for future stipends.
Impact and Importance of Zewar-e-Taleem
The Zewar-e-Taleem Program has a profound impact on the educational landscape of Punjab’s underdeveloped regions. By incentivizing education through conditional cash transfers, the program encourages families to prioritize their daughters’ education over other competing demands. This initiative not only ensures that girls stay in school but also promotes long-term benefits for families and communities by improving literacy rates, reducing poverty, and empowering girls to pursue better futures.
In addition to the Zewar-e-Taleem Program, the CM Punjab Honhaar Scholarship Program 2024 is another initiative by the Punjab government aimed at supporting talented students financially to help them pursue higher education. This scholarship is particularly focused on students from underprivileged backgrounds, ensuring that financial challenges do not stand in the way of their academic success. Eligible students are encouraged to apply for this program to achieve their educational goals and excel in their studies.
In areas where cultural norms and economic pressures often discourage girls from continuing their education, the Zewar-e-Taleem Program helps break down barriers. By linking financial incentives to school attendance, the program ensures that girls have the opportunity to complete their secondary education and avoid early dropout. Moreover, the quarterly stipend supports families in meeting their daughters’ basic needs, including food, clothing, and educational materials.
The success of the Zewar-e-Taleem Program also highlights the importance of collaboration between government sectors. The PSPA, in conjunction with the School Education Department and branchless banking systems, ensures that funds are disbursed efficiently, and students’ progress is continuously monitored.
Review
The Zewar-e-Taleem Program is a vital tool for promoting education in low-literacy districts of Punjab. By providing PKR 3000 per quarter to girls who meet the attendance requirement, the program not only incentivizes education but also addresses broader socio-economic challenges. Through this initiative, the Government of Punjab is taking significant steps towards empowering young girls, improving literacy rates, and creating a brighter future for communities across the province.