Future of BTech graduates hangs in the balance

ISLAMABAD – Lack of interest on part of Ministry of Science and Technology has led to uncertainty about the future of more than fifty thousands BTech graduates, who are being refused jobs in government sector due to undefined status of their degrees.
The BTech graduates are deprived of access to higher studies and jobs in government sector, as Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC) is not accepting their degrees. After the refusal of PEC, the office of Chairman Pakistan Council of Technologists in February 2010 had dispatched a bill (prepared by its own capacity) to Ministry of Science and Technology for establishment of Pakistan Technology Council (PTC), for the registration of BTech degree, however the said bill is still pending unheard with ministry.
Talking to Pakistan Today, Chairman Pakistan Council of Technologists, Sheikh Javid said that the said bill was dispatched to the Prime Minister in February 2010 and PM Secretariat forwarded it to Ministry of Science and Technology in March last year for furnishing their comments, but nothing has been done so far. “More than 50,000 BTech graduates in the country are deprived of access to higher studies, job opportunity in public departments and promotions because of undefined degree status,” he said. It is relevant to note here that BTech programme was formally launched in 1973 and the then Ministry of Education directed to give status of BTech (Hons) degree at par with BSc Engineering/BE degrees, but now PEC has refused to recognize B.Tech degree.
Sheikh Javid said that after completion of their degrees a large number of BTech graduates were going to abroad for seeking better opportunities for job. “PEC can’t merely be blamed for not accepting our degrees rather all those institutes that are offering this program are equally responsible for playing with our futures as they don’t inform the students about the status of degree at the time of admission, said Muhammad Ali, a BTech graduate. Director General Accreditation and Attestation at HEC, Rahim Bux Channa confirmed BTech (Hons) degree was at par with BSc Engineering/ BE degrees.