PESHAWAR, Aug 27: The University of Peshawar has sought the approval of the Higher Education Commission (HEC) for 15 development projects worth Rs2.30 billion. The university has asked the HEC to discuss the projects in the next meeting of its Departmental Development Working Party and Central Developmental Working Party for the year 2007-2008, according to a press release issued on Monday.

The projects include “Strengthening the Institute of Chemical Sciences” (Rs473.50 million), “Upgradation of the Quaid-i-Azam College of Commerce” (Rs372.85 million), “Upgradation of Student Accommodation Facilities at the University” (Rs346.59 million), “Upgradation of Faculty Accommodation” (Rs309.18 million), “Strengthening of the Law College” (Rs178.80 million), “Rehabilitation of the Baragali Summer Campus” (Rs152.04 million), and “Enhancement of Sports Facilities” (Rs145.24 million).

The university has also proposed the “Upgradation of Transport Facilities” at a cost of Rs87.45 million, “Strengthening of the Directorate of Planning and Development” (Rs 57.56 million), “Establishment of Laboratories in the Geology Department” (Rs79.44 million), “Strengthening and Upgradation of the Telephone Exchange” (Rs33.97 million), “Strengthening of Teaching and Research Facilities in the Centre of Biotechnology (Rs32.54 million), “Rehabilitation of the University Printing Press (Rs31.39 million), and “Provision of Facilities in Hostels” (Rs28.84 million).

The handout said the university’s administration was taking keen interest in early completion of all existing development projects along with achieving excellence in academics and research. It hoped that the Higher Education Commission would sanction the projects soon.