On putting 18 Amendment in order

FAPUASA wants higher education funds disbursed through provincial governments

The Secretary General Federation of all Pakistan Universities Academic Staff Association (FAPUASA) Dr Kaleemullah Berach has demanded that in the light of 18th Constitutional amendment and recommendations of Implementation Commission, the funds of higher education sector should be disbursed by the provincial governments in coming budget of 2015-16. In a statement Sunday, he said that with the establishment of provincial higher education set ups, the problems of higher education sector would be solved in more effective way at the grass root level. He showed disappointment over non-implementation of recommendation of 10 members Implementation Commission regarding higher education sector in spite of lapse of 4 years.

Citing the example of global practices, he said that in 10 federations, primary responsibility for governing & funding of public sector universities and approval of new academic programs in higher education sector lie with federating units not central government.

Terming the establishment of provincial higher education set up at Punjab and Sindh a positive step towards improving higher education in the country, he demanded to Balochistan and KPK governments to expedite the process for establishment of provincial higher education set ups on immediate basis in order to strengthen higher education throughout the country.

As the universities are already under the administrative control of the provincial governments, the provincial governments should also realize their financial responsibilities as well. He informed that the Chairman Senate Standing Committee on Federal Education and Trainings has already made it clear that the responsibility of the promotion of higher education is domain of provincial governments and provincial governments should take immediate steps in this regard by fulfilling their constitutional and legal obligations. He also emphasized over the provincial governments to allocate 25% of total education budget o higher education as per international standards.