Rectors and vice chancellors (VCs) representing 137 public and private sector universities on Tuesday presented their arguments before the members of National Assembly Standing Committee regarding the proposed Private Members HEC Amendment Bill in 11th Vice Chancellors’ Committee meeting held here at Higher Education Commission.
The VCs noted that the universities had shown tremendous progress in the last decade and the HEC reforms were being followed by the other countries as a role model. They said that the the main factors for the excellent contribution by the organisation was its autonomy and its management which was qualified educationists and professionals. However, they said that there was a need to further strengthen the organisation.
Moreover, they said that the proposed bill would have a detrimental effect on the higher education sector and would reverse the achievements made during last decade.
The VCs were of the view that the higher education sector had been a growth engine for socio-economic development of Pakistan and higher education institutions had started to play a pivotal role for the well-being of Pakistani people and industrial growth through strong university-industry linkages. They said that it would be unfortunate if at this point legislative steps were taken without any consultation with the stakeholders
The vice chancellors felt that any changes in the HEC act should have the recommendations of the task force established by the Prime Minister’s High Powered Committee which was awaiting notification. They demanded that the task force may be notified so that consultation process may be started without further delay. The vice chancellors also highlighted the financial problems being confronted by the higher education sector.
The chairman of the standing committee, Sheikh Rohale Asghar and other committee members appreciated the role of HEC for socio-economic development and promotion of quality education in the country. They were of the view that any legislation that took away the dynamism and autonomy of HEC would be damaging to the higher education sector in the country. They were of the unanimous view that HEC was one institution which had functioned extremely well and had delivered wonderful results during the last decade.
On behalf of the committee, Asghar categorically stated that the legislation should be based upon careful review of past progress and consultation with the relevant stakeholders so that the organisation may be further strengthened to continue its positive role.
Moreover, Asghar remarked that the committee would not undertake any step undermining the autonomy and future of higher education in Pakistan.
“We will not table any bill which is damaging to the performance and will curtail the autonomy of HEC. We need to strengthen the institutions”, he emphasised.
