HEC to be devolved to provinces: eight main functions to remain with federation, says Raza

Implementation Commission Chairman and Minister for Inter Provincial Co-ordination Mian Raza Rabbani said that the Higher Education Commission would be devolved to the provinces but its main eight functions would remain with the federation.
He said this while addressing a news conference here on Wednesday at Parliament House. PML-N Senator Ishaq Dar, ANP Senator Zahid Khan and Minister for Water and Power were also present on the occasion. Rabbani gave Cause evaluation of the performance of Institutions:
Prescribe conditions under which Institutions, for higher and technical education including those that are not part of the State educational system, may be opened and operated; Set up national or regional evaluation councils or authorise any existing council or similar body to carry out accreditation of Institutions, faculties and disciplines by giving them appropriate ratings and cause to be set up testing bodies or designate any existing body for the purpose would be remained in centre.
He added that HEC would also determine the equivalence and recognition of degrees, diplomas and certificates of Higher education awarded by institutions within the country and abroad. "Develop guidelines for evaluation of performance of faculty members and Institutions; Collect information and statistics on higher education and Institutions as it may deem fit and may cause it published; and Perform such other functions consistent with the provisions of the Ordinance as may be prescribed or as may be incidental or consequential to the discharging of the aforesaid functions. He said that in the second phase, the implementation Commission has also transferred Finance Division, Revenue Division, Interior Division, Law and Justice Division, Port and Shipping Division and Communication Division to the provinces.
He said that in the third phase, the Commission would also transfer Ministries like: Environment, Women Development and Sports to the provinces at the end of this month. He said that the Commission would complete the process of transfer at any cost in cut of dated, June 30, 2011, under 18th Amendment of the Constitution.
Answering to a question, he said that the Commission would consult with the Chairman HEC and its officials before any amendment in the ordinance or any other legislation regarding the institution. Ishaq Dar said that the role of HEC would remain in the centre however, its role with the provinces would be eliminated through legislation. He said that his party is committed to implement the 18th Amendment.