ISLAMABAD: The federal government has okayed a revised Ordinance of Higher Education Commission, making some changes particularly regarding appointment of its chairman.

The revised notification declared that term of the HEC chairman will be two-year against the existing four years. The government also increased two seats for private members in commission, the main decision making body of the HEC.

The education ministry and ministry of law have okayed new changes and the summary has been moved to the cabinet for approval.

A senior officer of the ministry said that summary has in principle been approved by the Prime Minister Office and Ordinance has been issued. When contacted, Education Minister Shafqat Mahmood, confirmed that revised Ordinance has been prepared for making amendment to the HEC’s ordinance.

Asked about media reports that in new ordinance, HEC has placed under the administrative control of ministry of education, he said: “There is no truth in such reports.” The minister said only some minute changes were made. He said that even ministry has no role in the appointment of the HEC executive director.

Published in Dawn, April 8th, 2021