Pakistan

Neglected and vandalised: Polytechnic institute to open in Mera Begwal college

AIOU to offer courses in five disciplines by mid-2014.

Our Correspondent November 27, 2013

According to the agreement, the AIOU will be responsible for the management and operational affairs of the polytechnic institute, which will be run by a joint management committee. PHOTO: FILE

ISLAMABAD:

A boys’ college constructed over 234 kanals in Mera Begwal, has been handed over to the Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) which will turn it in to a model polytechnic institute after years of neglect.

The varsity signed a memorandum of understanding with the Capital Administration and Development Division (CADD) on Wednesday. The college, which was being used as a temporary shelter after the 2005 earthquake has been vandalised, but despite being highlighted by the media, it was never secured or made functional. In addition to a 120-bed hostel, the college boasts a library, playgrounds and other facilities. According to the agreement, the AIOU will be responsible for the management and operational affairs of the polytechnic institute, which will be run by a joint management committee. AIOU Vice Chancellor Nazir Ahmed Sangi announced that the polytechnic institute will start functioning by mid-2014. “The AIOU has already set up a full-fledged technical and vocational directorate at its main campus to run the affairs of the college and necessary allocations have already been made,” he added.

He stated that initially the AIOU will introduce diploma and associate diploma courses in five disciplines. The AIOU will also introduce various other job-oriented programmes for around 50,000 students. The VC said 50 per cent concession in fees will be given to students by the AIOU for two years.

The main aim is to establish a facility comaparable to the Rawalpindi Polytechnic College, which was destroyed in protests. Scarcity of funds for renovation, red tape and intransigence on the part of CADD secretaries was has so far hindered its revival.

The agreement was signed by AIOU Registrar Chaudhry Muhammad Bashir while CADD was represented by Education Joint Secretary Rafiq Tahir. CADD Secretary Faridullah Khan was also present on the occasion. “The prime minister will inaugurate the college in two or three months and is a major step in educational development,” said Member National Assembly Tariq Fazal Chaudhry.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 28^th, 2013.