Education budget yet again deducted by the new government

In the coming fiscal year, the government has decided to further decrease the Higher Education Commission's (HEC) funds by 50%.

The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) had slammed the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government's plan to cut the HEC funding. However, after taking power, they also opted to decrease the budget for the fiscal year 2022-23 by more than half, to Rs. 30 billion, compared to the previous allocations of Rs. 65.25 billion.

The Finance Division has asked the HEC to produce its budget statement for the fiscal year 2022-23 in accordance with stated estimates and submit it to the director of the Finance Division's budget wing for entry.

Previously, the HEC had requested Rs. 100 billion to cover expenses and ensure the smooth operation of research initiatives at public universities.

According to HEC figures, the country has roughly 150 public sector universities. In addition, the HEC funds 38 research bodies, including 12 centres of excellence, eight other centres (five of which are HEC-affiliated), six region study centres, six institutes, and six Pakistan study centres. In addition, 12 advanced studies centres were sponsored through development initiatives.

According to academics, the commission will not be able to pay subsidies to public universities under the proposed budgetary ceiling, and universities will be forced to treble their rates to cover costs.

The finances will not be sufficient to run the commission's operations while also funding research initiatives at various universities.

They claim that without more funding (from the HEC), public universities will be unable to undertake development programmes, conduct research, or hire new faculty.

They won't have a choice except to fire cooperative teachers, cut retired academics and personnel' pensions, liquidate departments, and stop offering new courses.