LAHORE, Jan 17: Punjab Education Minister Imran Masood says Rs1.82 billion have been distributed among 350,000 girl students for encouraging their enrolment in schools in 15 low literacy districts of the province.

Speaking at the prize distribution ceremony of a college in Valencia Town here on Wednesday, he said the government had decided to pay stipend for encouraging enrolment of girls in schools because of poverty which was one of the most important reasons for low literacy rate. The poor students could not complete their education owing to lack of resources. A sum of Rs500 million had also been allocated for grant of scholarships to talented students.

He said the private sector was playing a pivotal role in promotion of education. Private institutions were also accommodating a large number of students who could not get admission to government colleges for not having the required capacity. Private institutions were thus assisting the government in fulfillment of its constitutional obligation with regard to provision of education to every citizen.

He said it had also been noticed that some private colleges were charging exorbitant fees without providing quality education. The government would ensure that the educational institutions charging high fees provided quality education as well.

GCU: A representative of the Wollongong University, Australia, on Wednesday visited the Government College University and offered academic links between chemistry departments of both the institutions.

Prof Dr Syed Aziz Ashraf of the Wollongong University visited the GCU and called on VC Prof Dr Khalid Aftab at his office.

The GCU vice-chancellor apprised Prof Ashraf about the level of research and the contribution of varsity’s scientists in national development. Prof Aftab also informed the guest about the historical profile of the institution as well as its traditions and liberal educational culture.

Later, Prof Ashraf visited varsity’s chemistry department and delivered a lecture on some recent developments in `nanotechnology’ in the seminar room of the department.

He explained different aspects and applications of nanotechnology, particularly use of carbon nano tubes in the field of health and food.

GCU chemistry department chairman Prof DrM A Kashmiri also spoke on the occasion.