HEC Fears Unprecedented Budget Cuts That May Lead To Massive Disruption
The Higher Education Commission, HECÂ is fearing unprecedented budget cuts of up to 50 percent in the demand of around Rs 158 billion for the next fiscal year of 2019-2020, which may lead to a massive disruption in the provision of higher education and conduct of research.
HEC Budget Cuts May Lead To Massive Disruption In Provision Of Higher Education & Conduct Of Research
A special meeting of the HEC was held under the Chairmanship of Dr. Tariq Banuri, Chairman, HEC to review the implications of ongoing fiscal crisis for the higher education sector, and in particular the budgetary projections for the fiscal year 2019-20.
It was attended by Shamsh Kassim-Lakha, Dr. Faisal Bari, Prof. Nisar Siddiqui, Dr. Naveed Malik, Engr. Ahmed Farooq Bazai, Dr. Javeid Iqbal, Dr. Bhawani Shankar Choudhry, Federal Secretary, Ministry of S&T, and representatives of the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training as well as Provincial Governments.
The Commission was informed that the projected recurring budget demand of the higher education institutions for 2019-20 was Rs103.550 billion, while development demand was Rs 55 billion; however, the sector could face unprecedented budget cuts of up to 50 percent. If this turns out to be true, it would bring about a massive disruption in the provision of higher education and conduct of research.
The Commission expressed grave concerns about these indications and called upon the Prime Minister, the Finance Minister and the Education Minister to ensure that adequate resources are provided to higher education institutions.
The Commission directed the Chairman to undertake a sensitivity analysis of alternative budgetary scenarios, with a view to ensuring that essential programmes are not slashed, especially those that sustain the quality of undergraduate education in the country.
The Commission requested Vice Chancellors to invest in greater efficiency and transparency, and identify possible austerity measures which ensure that resources are used most effectively. Fourth, the Commission decided to accelerate the deployment of the Higher Education Management Information System (HEMIS) in order to enhance transparency and enable increased efficiency.
The Commission directed the Chairman to establish a fundraising programme for Higher Education including mobilization of resources from alumni, philanthropists, industry and by attracting a broader array of students’ including students from foreign countries.
The Commission requested the Chairman to arrange meetings of Commission Members with the Prime Minister, Finance Minister and other senior members of the government. Finally, the Commission directed the Chairman to request Provincial Governments to enhance their support for higher education, including supplementary finances for universities.
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