ISLAMABAD, Aug 11: The Higher Education Commission (HEC) has decided to launch 'Best University Teachers' scheme under which 50 teachers will be awarded a cash prize of Rs100,000 each along with certificates of distinctions every year.

In this connection, the HEC has earmarked Rs30 million, and initially 250 teachers will be awarded these cash prizes, said an official statement on Wednesday. However, it said, the commission wanted to make this scheme a permanent feature in the higher education sector.

It said the scheme will create a sense of competition among the teachers of universities and colleges. The scheme aims at to provide quality education and increase both external and internal efficiency of university education.

It also envisages to upgrade quality of research through staff development and provision of better facilities. It is expected that a changed atmosphere appearing as a result of this scheme will help lift the standards of education and research in higher education institutions of the country.