The federal government has set aside Rs 60,000 million for the Higher Education Commission (HEC) for the fiscal year 2024-25. This funding will support 141 ongoing projects and 19 new initiatives.
According to the budget, Rs 41,871.792 million is for ongoing projects, and Rs 18,128.208 million is for new ones.
For ongoing projects:
- Rs 900 million will go to Allama Muhammad Iqbal scholarships for 3000 Afghan students.
- Rs 450 million is allocated for constructing an academic block at Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Medical University in Islamabad.
- Rs 400 million each is reserved for developing the main campus of Bacha Khan University in Charsadda and the National University of Medical Sciences in Rawalpindi.
- Rs 400 million is set aside for establishing a campus of Government College University in Chiniot.
- Rs 500 million will fund Kamyab Jawan Sports Academies and Youth Olympics.
- Rs 500 million is for the University of Baltistan in Skardu.
Additionally:
- Rs 759 million is allocated for the Fulbright Scholarship Support Program.
- Rs 3890 million is reserved for overseas scholarships for MS/M.Phil leading to Ph.D. in selected fields.
- Rs 3000 million is set aside for the Ph.D. Scholarship Program under the Pak-US Knowledge Corridor.
- Rs 100 million is allocated for establishing an Institute of Sports.
For new projects:
- Rs 10,000 million is allocated for the Higher Education Development Programme of Pakistan.
- Rs 6000 million will fund the Prime Minister’s Laptop Scheme.
- Rs 30 million is for the Prime Minister’s Youth Internship Program.
- Rs 100 million is set aside for establishing a Manufacturing Technology, Automation, and Innovation Center.
My Opinion
It’s encouraging to see the government investing heavily in higher education. The focus on scholarships, campus development, and youth programs indicates a strong commitment to enhancing educational opportunities. However, it is crucial to ensure that these funds are used effectively and transparently to achieve the desired outcomes.
