Govt Cuts Budget for HEC for Fiscal Year 2024-25

In a significant move, the federal government has scaled down its financial allocation to the Higher Education Commission HEC for the fiscal year 2024-25. Initially set at Rs. 65 billion, the budget has been drastically reduced to Rs. 25 billion, representing a reduction of more than half. The students can get the latest information that Govt Cuts Budget for Higher Education Commission for Fiscal Year 2024-25.

Changes in Budget Allocation

Under the revised plan, funding from the Federal Higher Education Commission will now exclusively support federal universities. Public universities in the provinces will no longer receive financial support from the federal government. Instead, provinces are required to independently finance their universities.

Impact on Higher Education Sector

The HEC had originally requested Rs. 126 billion to sustain operations across over 160 public universities nationwide. However, the Planning Commission has curtailed the development budget for the HEC from Rs. 59 billion to Rs. 21 billion. This reduction raises concerns about its potential adverse impact on universities nationwide.

Chairmans Response and Concerns

Dr. Mukhtar, Chairman of the HEC, has confirmed receiving notifications from the Ministry of Finance regarding the reduced budget allocations. He has expressed grave concerns about the implications for university operations and the quality of education. Dr. Mukhtar plans to escalate the issue by addressing letters to the finance minister and the prime minister, highlighting the significant reduction in the HECs budget from Rs. 65 billion in 2018 to the current Rs. 25 billion.