HEC's budget cut to Rs25bn from Rs65bn

The federal government on Wednesday slashed the Higher Education Commission's (HEC) budget from Rs65 billion to Rs25 billion, limiting funding to federal universities only.

Earlier, the education board had the responsibility to cover the expenditures of provincial universities as well.

The HEC had requested Rs126 billion from the Ministry of Finance for over 160 universities in its budget. 

HEC Chairman Dr Mukhtar stated that the commission received two letters from the Ministry of Finance and Planning Commission, one regarding reconsidering grants and the other about reducing funds.

“We also have written to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to resolve the issue as soon as possible,” he said.

In response to the budget cut, the All Pakistan Universities Academic Staff Association (FAPUASA) has announced a black day on May 30 (Thursday). 

The association's representatives have termed the reduction as 'deleterious and beyond the constitutional authorities of the federal government.'

They warned that the decision would have detrimental effects on universities across provinces, many of which are already facing severe financial difficulties. 

FAPUASA demanded that the government immediately reverse the decision for the prosperity of the nation and urged an increase in the HEC budget to up to Rs500 billion in the upcoming fiscal year budget 2024-25.

The Council of Common Interests (CCI) expressed fears that if the decision is not reversed, it would result in the closure of universities nationwide, as institutions would be unable to pay salaries to teachers. 

HEC Executive Director Dr Ziaul Qayyum also emphasised that the federal government's funding for the higher education sector is crucial to strengthening its efforts towards national integration through youth.