Govt refutes HEC chief’s allegations of interference

Statement says Tariq Banuri’s assertions inappropriate, irresponsible

LAHORE:

The government has refuted the allegations levelled by Higher Education Commission (HEC) Chairman Tariq Banuri about the alleged external interference in the affairs of the regulatory body and universities at large.

“The government believes in the transparency of the functioning of all government departments including the HEC, universities and other institutions,” said a statement issued here on Friday.

The statement said that since the government took office, it has been ensured that the education sector and particularly the higher education sector, is provided with all available resources. “Autonomy of the institutions has always been respected. The prime minister has himself taken interest in ensuring that every government department is free to function as per its defined mandate,” it said.

“Such unsubstantiated blanket assertions from Banuri are inappropriate and irresponsible,” the statement said.

“For the appointment of vice-chancellor or any other officer in the universities, there are set rules and all appointments are made on merit while following the laid down procedure. Similarly, for overseeing administrative affairs of universities, there are bodies like syndicate and senate that ensure implementation of policies in letter and spirit,” it said.

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The statement said that “as far as HEC’s funding distribution is concerned, it is put on record that as well known to Banuri since its inception in 2002, the HEC has a funding formula for disbursement of funds to higher education institutions.”

“Likewise, all development projects of the higher education sector are duly approved by respective forums like CDWP, ECNEC etc and the process involves thorough planning before any project is approved and executed. Whether it is the establishment of a university in the PM House or any other project, all projects are being planned, keeping in view the national interest and by following all relevant rules and regulations,” the statement further said.

Earlier, talking to journalists in the federal capital, Dr Tariq Banuri had said that while the government should be a patron of the education system, it should avoid interfering in educational matters.