Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training has proposed budgetary proposals amounting to around Rs 11.8 billion for 16 development projects under Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) for upcoming budget-2018-19. The proposals were presented before the Senate Standing Committee on Federal Education and Professional Training which met here with Nuzhat Sadiq in the chair on Monday.
The ministry proposed Rs 6.45 billion for 11 ongoing schemes and Rs 5.38 billion for five new schemes. The parliamentary panel recommended for increasing development budget of the education sector. The committee approved 'National Skills University Islamabad Bill 2017' moved by Minister for Federal Education and Training, Muhammad Baligh-ur-Rehman.
The Prime Minister had directed that the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training to immediately consider the feasibility of setting up of a National Skills University in Islamabad to address the shortage of skilled human resource at all levels. Concept was to establish first ever National Skill University, Islamabad through up-gradation of National Institute of Science & Technical Education (NISTE), Islamabad as per international practices to meet the technical manpower requirements of industry and other sectors of the economy.
On April 13, 2016, a summary was moved for the Prime Minister's approval. The Prime Minister while approving the establishment of proposed NSU had desired that Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training shall hold strategic session with Higher Education Commission (HEC) and NISTE before September, 2016 and a clear road-map for up-gradation of NISTE into a University, with the HEC as a lead organisation, shall be submitted for approval of the Prime Minister.
The Prime Minister while approving the proposed road-map had desired that the ministry "Shall remain engaged with the process, monitor the implementation and ensure that the proposed road-map and timelines are strictly adhered."
The Cabinet Committee for Disposal of Legislative Cases on February 06, 2017 approved the ordinance for setting up of the NSU. The cabinet ratified the decision of CCLC on February 07, 2017. On March 24, 2017, the Prime Minister's Office conveyed that the PM desired that 'The National Skills University Bill 2016' may be placed before the Parliament for its passage in accordance with the regular legislative business. The National Assembly has already approved the bill.
The HEC informed that 'The National Skills University Islamabad Bill, 2017' has been evaluated in light of provisions of 'Model Federal Universities Ordinance Bill, 2017' and found in order. The HEC endorsement on the said bill has been communicated to the Ministry of Federal Education & Professional Training vide its letter dated February 06, 2018.
The committee also approved 'The National Civic Education Commission Bill, 2018' moved by Senator Sehar Kamran. The Civic Education Bill 2017 was thoroughly reviewed by the HEC and comments: By virtue of the powers conferred upon HEC, the Curriculum Division undertakes periodic development/review of the uniform curricula of Basic, Social and applied sciences at undergraduate & graduate levels for all universities/degree awarding institutions of Pakistan.
The HEC has been already implementing the themes of "Democratic Civic Education," while revising curricula of social sciences disciplines, especially Islamic Studies/Ethics, Political Science, Pakistan Studies, and Sociology etc. Academic Division developed and finalised a compulsory course "Citizenship Education and Community Engagement" to be offered at Bachelor level. Further, to implement PM's directive, Academic Division, added constitutionalism and pluralism in curriculum by developing a supplementary reading material through experts to be added in the curricula of English, Urdu and Pakistan Studies.
The contents of the bill regarding introduction of civic education at school level are encouraged. However, the implementation of this bill pertains to the school education which is mandate of Capital Administration and Development Division (CADD) for Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) and Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training through National Curriculum Council (NCC). The NCC and CADD are already implementing Article 25-A of Constitution of Islamic Republic of Pakistan which enforces free and compulsory education up to the age of 16 years.
In case, some additional and focused activities are required, the same may be implemented through the existing mechanisms.
The committee was informed in written that the HEC awarded a total number of 5780 overseas scholarships till date. Out of which, students 3807 have completed their studies, while 1537 are still perusing their studies.
A total of 428 scholars who are beneficiaries of abovementioned overseas projects are absconders for various reasons such as: PhD degree completed and did not return to Pakistan, PhD degree not completed, PhD completed but returned late to Pakistan, MS completed and enrolled in PhD degree but not completed PhD degree and PhD studies left on medical grounds.
The HEC has taken actions against the absconder scholars of the "Overseas Scholarship including 44 court cases, started legal action against 42, recovery letter issued in 34. further 28 have paid back the actual expenses + 25 percent penalty, 3 paying back the actual expense + 25 percent penalty and one agreed to pay back installment.
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