HEC budget
Our cash-strapped government is making desperate attempts to try and control the fiscal deficit and secure IMF bailout money. In such a situation, many sectors are bound to face budget cuts as the government was seen deliberating on whether to slash public university funding by a massive 50%. Reports indicate that a mere Rs30 billion might be allocated to the HEC against their demand of Rs104 billion. Previously, Rs66.25 billion were allocated to the education commission through which only 28% of higher education needs were met.
However, sanity has now prevailed and, following orders from PM Shehbaz Sharif, the ministers for Education and Planning have reassured the heads of public-sector universities that there would be no cut in the budget for education. It is indeed commendable that officials have acknowledged the importance of higher education and the plight of young students. Universities are responsible for mentoring almost two million of the Pakistani youths who are future stakeholders of the country. It is the responsibility of the government to find a balance in a manner that nothing significant is compromised. While the higher education sector won’t have to deal with budget cuts amid soaring inflation, it is still a challenge for HEC to meet educational needs with a deplorably low budget. The government however can work at mending things at the grassroots level in a continuous and steady manner. Slowly but surely progress will be witnessed. It is in the best interest of the government to uplift higher education as it will help in curbing economic divide by bridging the gap between attained qualification and the skills needed by industries.
It would also be worthwhile for the government to collaborate with universities and conduct economic research. Not only would this make universities active participants in trying to solve Pakistan’s economic conundrum, but it would also help the government chart out a long-term economic plan that exerts less burden on the masses. It is about time that higher education was prioritised.
Published in The Express Tribune, June 6th, 2022.
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