SHEC complains to CCI chief about ‘uncooperative’ HEC

The Sindh Higher Education Commission (SHEC) has lodged a complaint with the Council of Common Interests (CCI) chairman regarding the alleged lack of cooperation from the Higher Education Commission (HEC) in implementing the CCI’s decisions.

According to SHEC Director Shahla Memon’s letter, during the 35th CCI meeting held on February 26, 2018, several decisions had been made, identifying specific tasks to be carried out jointly by the federal and provincial governments.

Subsequently, a series of meetings were held between the HEC and the SHEC regarding the responsibilities assigned to the respective commissions. Both the HECs reached a consensus, and an agreement was finalised that was later presented to the Sindh chief minister for approval.

After the CM’s approval, the HEC was informed accordingly. Later, during the 44th CCI meeting, the HEC executive director also acknowledged this agreement. One of the relevant decisions stated that joint visits of universities would be conducted, and monitoring, evaluation and accreditation of higher education institutions in the province would be carried out jointly by the HEC and the SHEC.

However, this was never implemented. The SHEC wrote several letters to the HEC chairman, but no response was received despite a considerable amount of time having been passed. The letter urged immediate action to resolve the matter and ensure that the HEC cooperates with the SHEC in implementing the CCI’s decisions.

SHEC sources told this correspondent that the HEC had issued NOCs to certain universities in Sindh that did not meet the required regulations or had previously been barred from admissions.