ISLAMABAD, Oct 3: The Higher Education Commission (HEC) and the provincial governments have agreed to make collaborative efforts to enhance the quality of higher education in the country.

During a meeting of the steering committee of provincial secretaries at the HEC here, there was broad consensus that the true spirit of the 18th amendment and uniform standards should be observed in the higher education sector.

In consultation with the provincial governments, a paper on funding a council at the provincial level would be prepared by HEC, so that effective financial management of the sector may be introduced in the provinces.

In the 18th amendment, it was decided that the provincial governments would have the administrative control of universities while financial control would remain with the HEC till announcement of the next NFC award by 2014.

A participant of the meeting requesting not to be identified said as two different bodies had been exercising financial and administrative powers, the problems were increasing.

“During the meeting, it was decided that the provincial governments will coordinate with HEC while taking decisions about hiring of staff and development projects to maintain balance between facilities and the number of students/faculty members,” he said He said all the decisions should be made with consensus so that the quality of education does not suffer.

The meeting, which was presided over by Executive Director Higher Education Commission (HEC) Prof Dr Sohail Naqvi, was attended by secretary higher education Punjab Dr Ijaz Munir; Farah Hameed of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sher Khan Bazai of Balochistan; additional secretary education Sindh, Aftab Inayat, and additional secretary Azad Kashmir Mohammad Mumtaz Khawaja.

Opinion

Editorial

Judiciary’s SOS
Updated 28 Mar, 2024

Judiciary’s SOS

The ball is now in CJP Isa’s court, and he will feel pressure to take action.
Data protection
28 Mar, 2024

Data protection

WHAT do we want? Data protection laws. When do we want them? Immediately. Without delay, if we are to prevent ...
Selling humans
28 Mar, 2024

Selling humans

HUMAN traders feed off economic distress; they peddle promises of a better life to the impoverished who, mired in...
New terror wave
Updated 27 Mar, 2024

New terror wave

The time has come for decisive government action against militancy.
Development costs
27 Mar, 2024

Development costs

A HEFTY escalation of 30pc in the cost of ongoing federal development schemes is one of the many decisions where the...
Aitchison controversy
Updated 27 Mar, 2024

Aitchison controversy

It is hoped that higher authorities realise that politics and nepotism have no place in schools.