Funds sought for educational projects

Punjab HEC proposes plan to build new varsity in Murree

RAWALPINDI:

The Punjab Higher Education Commission (HEC) has sought Rs2.28 billion for educational projects in Rawalpindi and Murree to address the demand for enrolment in public colleges.

According to sources, these schemes include the construction of five new colleges, adding classroom blocks in two existing colleges, introducing a biometric attendance system for teaching and non-teaching staff, and developing a new university in Murree.

These projects aim to address the increasing demand for college admissions in Rawalpindi district. The HEC has submitted a request for funding to the provincial government for the implementation of these projects, which are part of the Rawalpindi Annual Development Programme and District Development Programme for 2024-25.

The funds are expected to be provided in phases, with the first major allocation required for the university in Murree.

This proposed university is envisioned as a modern institution, modelled after Punjab University, offering courses in science, arts, local languages, law, and information technology. It will also feature state-of-the-art facilities, including hostels for both male and female students and a mini sports complex. The HEC has requested Rs1 billion to kickstart this project.

Among the new colleges proposed, the Girls Associate College in Jatha Hatial is projected to cost Rs166.352 million. Another significant project is the Rawalpindi City Post Graduate College in Dhok Dalal Pirwadhai, which was initiated by former Interior Minister Sheikh Rasheed Ahmed.

Although the construction of the building has been completed, the college has been pending for three years. To expedite its opening, the HEC has requested Rs345.615 million.

Other proposed colleges include the Girls Associate College in Changa Bangyal, which is expected to cost Rs139.702 million, and the Girls Degree College in Mandira Gujar Khan, with an estimated cost of Rs123.261 million.

The Government Associate Girls College and Sports Complex has a projected budget of Rs385.742 million. Additionally, two new classrooms will be added to the Shahbaz Sharif Boys College at an estimated cost of Rs10 million, and three classrooms will be built at the Girls College in Taxila for Rs15 million.

Another key project for the district is the introduction of a biometric attendance system in colleges. The pilot phase of this project is set to begin this year, with an immediate requirement of Rs100 million for its implementation.

The biometric system will be introduced in selected colleges initially, with plans to expand its use across all colleges in the Rawalpindi district by next year.