Digital research lab opened at KU

Govt varsities will attract students if their standards improve, says HEC Sindh chief

KARACHI:

Higher Education Comm-ission (HEC) Sindh, Chairman, Dr Tariq Rafi, has mentioned the existence of a committee responsible for distributing funds and making decisions regarding university demands.

This committee evaluates admissions and departmental situations. HEC allocates funds based on the same committee's assessment.

University of Karachi (KU), Vice Chancellor, Dr Khalid Mehmood Iraqi, has requested for special grants for specific projects.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony the Asma Bashir Digital Research Lab at the Department of Public Administration, University of Karachi, Dr Tariq Rafi said that a significant fee structure disparity exists between private and government universities. Government universities would attract a larger number of students if their standards improve.

He appealed to the government for increased funding for higher education.

Despite limited resources, the HEC extends financial support to universities for special and educational projects. He said that self-improvement is vital for universities to achieve higher rankings.

Dr Rafi emphasised the importance of universities being empowered and functioning independently, with minimal government interference. According to him, private universities' independence has contributed to their progress.

Furthermore, he expressed concern about the management of the Federal Urdu University. The absence of a permanent Vice Chancellor is a problem, and he hopes the government will address this issue. During this occasion, KU vice-chancellor Dr Iraqi, informed Chairman HEC Sindh that while other universities receive additional funds, KU has not been granted special funds.

 

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