January 30, 2008	Wednesday	Muharram 20, 1429

ISLAMABAD, Jan 29: The Senate standing committee on Tuesday emphasized the role of higher education in the national development and observed that more funds should be allocated for improving the standard of education at higher level which could ultimately pave the way for socio-economic well-being of the country.

The committee, which met at the Parliament House, was given a detailed briefing on the mid-term review of development and recurring budget of the Higher Education Commission. The committee took an appraisal of the utilisation of funds on various projects and development initiatives along with removal of various hurdles in the release of funds.

The committee opposed a proposal to cut the grant of the HEC and observed that it would have direct impact on the on-going projects and also affect the enrolment and faculty development at higher level. It would also hamper the HEC efforts to cater to the needs of varsities throughout the country.

The committee members were of the view that HEC required more funds on both development and the recurring side to improve the standards of the higher education and to produce world class varsities and teachers.

It also noticed that as a result of the positive steps taken by the HEC, three universities of the country have been listed among the best universities of the world. Funding various projects would help the varsities to improve faculties of varsities to international standard.

Earlier, the Higher Education Commission Chairman Dr Attaur Rehman informed the committee about the budgetary position of various projects launched by the HEC to boost education. He disclosed that there was a shortfall of Rs3 billion on recurring cost, which could have a negative impact on the performance of varsities besides affecting the ongoing development projects. The meeting was attended by senators Tahira Latif, Syed Tahir Hussain Mashhadi, Dr Mohammad Saad and Prof Mohammad Ibrahim Khan. Senior officials of HEC were also present.