The Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) has upgraded its plan providing free education to marginalised sections of the people. There are four categories of such people who will enjoy full fee-waiver. These include prisoners, disable persons, drops-out girls and transgender community. This is part of special initiatives taken by AIOU Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Shahid Siddiqui to ensure availability of education to all sections of the people. The university has also announced providing Matriculation education to the marginalised areas that include Balochistan and federally administrated tribal areas. This is aimed at helping the less-privileged people to have a respectable life in the society. Besides this, the university also provides scholarships and fee-waiver to talented students who are unable to continue their future study due to financial constraints. There is a special merit-based scheme for this purpose. AIOU VC Professor Dr Shahid Siddiqui hoped that the people, come under these categories will take benefit from the facility, enrolling themselves with the university from the new academic session. The last date for admission to this effect is September 5. The AIOU is only university in the country that provides free education to down-trodden people at their door-step. Recently, various steps have been taken to bring about qualitative improvement in the university’s overall learning and teaching system to ensure quality education. Published in Daily Times, August 20th 2018.