ISLAMABAD, Dec 9: Though power struggle has rocked the Higher Education Commission (HEC) for quite some time, the Planning Commission has released Rs4.7 billion development budget to the cash-starved HEC, it has been learnt.

An officer in the HEC on the condition of anonymity told Dawn on Sunday that during last two months the commission and the ministry of education and training (MET) had been at loggerheads over the status of the HEC.

The ministry wanted the HEC under its control but the commission is of the view that its autonomous status cannot be challenged.

“Because of the issue, not only routine activities at the HEC were disturbed but also funds could not be released to it for two months. As a result, a large number of students have been waiting for their scholarships,” he said.

But after the appointment of Secretary MET Qamar Zaman as the executive director of the HEC last week, it seems the ministry also used its influence to get the funds released to create a positive impression among the employees of the HEC and students, he said.

According to sources, the Planning Commission released the Rs4.7 billion development budget on December 6.

As scholarships are paid through the development budget, it seems the issues of the students would be resolved for the time being.