Teachers review budget allocation to higher education sector

Islamabad

The participants of post budget seminar organised by Federation of All Pakistan Universities Academic Staff Association (FAPUASA) Islamabad Chapter, resolved preparation of review report on budget allocations for higher education sector, active involvement of stakeholders especially faculty during budget preparation process at University, provincial and federal levels, strengthening existing universities instead of allocation of funds for new universities, formulation of policies in higher education sector through proper deliberations instead of individuals basis, diverting budget allocations for laptop schemes towards award of need based scholarships and universities, allocation of 4% of GDP for education & 25% of total education budget for higher education, 75% tax rebate for university researchers & faculty,  respecting autonomy of universities, separation of functions of funding, quality assurance, regulatory & ranking in higher education sector of the Punjab and  requesting Council of Common Interests to include faculty representatives in HEC board. The seminar was organized at International Islamic University. Vice President Council of Social Sciences Dr Nadeem Umar, analyst & national coordination Inter University Consortium for Promotion of Social Sciences Murtaza Noor, Dr Shehzad Ashraf

The speakers lamented that during last years, 56% of new development projects in higher education sector could not get approval and universities remained devoid of infrastructure development, establishment of new labs, academic blocks, hostels etc & strengthening existing facilities. They were of the view that without support and provision of required financial resources, Pakistani universities could not make place among top regional and world universities.