The Sindh government has approved plans to digitize its university scholarship system by developing a Smart Scholarship Portal under the Sindh Educational Endowment Fund (SEEF).
The decision was taken during a meeting of the Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees of the Sindh Educational Endowment Fund (SEEF) Trust, chaired by Sindh Secretary for College Education Nadeem Memon.
Smart Portal to Modernize Scholarship Management
As part of the approved reforms, the government will develop a Smart Portal to bring scholarship management online.
According to officials, the portal is expected to:
- Digitize scholarship applications.
- Improve transparency in the selection process.
- Simplify scholarship management.
- Enhance accessibility for students.
- Streamline administrative operations.
The proposal will be finalized and presented to the Board of Trustees for approval, with implementation planned for next year.
Key Reforms Approved
The Executive Committee approved several initiatives aimed at strengthening the SEEF scholarship program, including:
- Development of a Smart Scholarship Portal.
- Preparation of a comprehensive investment policy.
- Appointment of a third-party audit firm.
- Inclusion of additional universities and educational institutions.
- Review and rationalization of scholarship seats at existing universities.
The reforms are intended to improve governance, transparency, and the long-term sustainability of the scholarship fund.
Investment Policy to Maximize Returns
The committee also approved the formation of a panel of financial experts to prepare a draft investment policy for the Trust.
Secretary Nadeem Memon directed that investment decisions should:
- Maximize returns on Trust funds.
- Comply with government policies and applicable laws.
- Follow regulatory requirements and Trust by-laws.
The objective is to strengthen the financial capacity of SEEF while ensuring responsible management of public funds.
Third-Party Audit Approved
The committee gave in-principle approval for appointing a third-party audit firm for a two-year term beginning with the 2025–26 financial year.
Officials were instructed to conduct the procurement process in accordance with the Sindh Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (SPPRA) rules through an open tender process.
The contract will be awarded to the lowest evaluated responsive bidder after completing all legal and procedural requirements.
More Scholarship Opportunities Planned
The committee also reviewed applications from new universities seeking inclusion in the SEEF network.
In addition, members examined the current allocation of scholarship seats and the Trust’s financial position.
To improve the use of available resources, a separate committee has been formed to submit recommendations within one week on:
- Rationalizing scholarship allocations.
- Reviewing expenditure patterns.
- Expanding opportunities for deserving students.
- Improving financial efficiency.
Officials have also been directed to review institutions with higher financial costs to ensure that available funds benefit a larger number of eligible students.
