Across province: PHEC seeks role in governing bodies of universities

Writes letter to all varsities to induct its members in syndicates, boards


Ammar Sheikh December 31, 2016

LAHORE: The Punjab Higher Education Commission (PHEC) wants a seat in the syndicate, board of governors (BoG) and board of management (BoM) of all public and private universities in the province.

In a letter sent to all universities across Punjab, the PHEC has asked the universities to induct its members in the university’s governing body.

Citing a clause from the PHEC Act, the letter states the commission must be represented in the syndicates, BoGs and BoMs of both public- and private-sector universities of Punjab.

Clause 19, Chapter IV of the PHEC Act states: “Any law providing for the establishment or incorporation of an institution shall have effect as if it provided for the governing body of the institution consisting of a nominee, not below the rank of a whole time member of the commission in addition to the members of the governing body.”

The letter states that a recent PHEC meeting emphasised the need to establish better relations between the PHEC and higher education institutions in the province. The higher education minister has put the onus on the PHEC to address issues at these institutions on urgent basis. “This letter is the first step in that direction,” it was stated.

“The purpose of its [PHEC] representation is to make quality of higher education better and culture of research consolidated together with management reforms,” the letter reads.

“As public-sector universities are facing problems of multifaceted nature ranging from academic to finance, the representation of the PHEC can further help overcome their problems on urgent basis.”

Another reason the letter stated was the regulation of the rapidly increasing number of degree awarding institutions in the past 15 years.

The syndicate is the executive body of a university and holds the power to take key administrative decisions, including control of the financial dealing of the university, appointing, suspending or terminating teachers as well as employees.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 1st, 2017.

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