HEC defers 14 projects amid financial crunch

Sources say estimated cost of educational schemes amounted to Rs2.01b

RAWALPINDI:

The Higher Education Commission (HEC) has decided not to issue funds for 14 educational projects in Rawalpindi due to the prevailing economic challenges.

Consequently, these initiatives, which included the construction of four new colleges, the expansion of three existing college buildings, and the establishment of new academic facilities, libraries, and laboratories in seven colleges, have been deferred for the upcoming financial year.

According to sources, the aggregate projected cost for these 14 projects amounted to Rs2.01 billion.

The Rawalpindi Division Directorate of Colleges had proposed the construction of four new colleges to tackle the pressing issue of admissions for both male and female students.

The proposed colleges comprised two boys' colleges in Gujar Khan and Kotli Sattian and two girls' associate colleges in the suburban areas of Rawalpindi and Murree.

The total estimated expenditure for these new college establishments was Rs900 million. However, these projects have been deferred for the coming year due to the lack of funding.

Further projects affected by the funding shortfall include a new academic block for Chak Bely Khan Associate College, a new building for Chakri Road Associate College, a new BS block for Gujjar Khan College and Kallar Syedan Associate College, a new building and library for Kahutta Associate College and a new hall for Khayaban-e-Sir Syed Associate College.

Others include a computer lab for Dhok Rata Women Associate College, a new BS block for Hashmat Ali Islamia College Rawalpindi, and the construction of boundary walls for Murree Sunnybank College.

Sources also said none of these projects will commence this year due to the financial constraints faced by the Higher Education Commission.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 20^th, 2023.