HEC given deadline to devise uniform education system plan

ISLAMABAD: The Higher Education Commission (HEC) has been directed to finalize its recommendations within a month for a countrywide uniform higher education system in coordination with federal and provincial governments.

The Council of Common Interests (CCI) issued directions to the HEC to formulate a strategy for the uplift of educational institutions as well as better coordination between the Center and provinces.

The CCI directed the Planning Commission to review the projects of power distribution and transmission network in Balochistan, besides calling for the launch of work on the projects of crucial nature.

It referred the request of Sindh province seeking additional water supply for Karachi to the National Water Council, which would present its recommendations to the CCI keeping in view the situation of existing water reservoirs, water sharing formula among provinces and the ground realities. Besides, the National Water Council would also suggest measures to stop wastage of water and ensure its judicious use.

Deliberating over the less availability of water in Pat Feeder and Kirthar canals, the CCI asked the chief ministers of Sindh and Balochistan to sort out the matter mutually.

The Center and the provinces agreed over the true implementation of AGN Qazi formula for the distribution of net hydel profits.

The CCI constituted a committee under the Minister for Inter-provincial Coordination to formulate recommendations on devolution of Employees Old Age Benefits Institution (EOBI) and the Workers Welfare Fund (WWF) to the provinces.

The Council decided to refer the Sindh government’s proposed amendments in Petroleum Policy 2012 to the Economic Coordination Committee of the Cabinet (ECC), which would formulate recommendations considering the proposed amendments.

The CCI reached a consensus to hand over to Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority the responsibility of uniform standards and the provision of one-window facility to the relevant companies.

In that regard, a committee comprising representatives from all the provinces, Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan was also constituted to look into the legal and constitutional aspects.

The Council also formed a task force to propose measures for effective implementation of regulatory authorities and the establishment of government’s writ in the provinces.

It decided to launch a nationwide “Pakistan Cleanliness Movement” that would be inaugurated by Prime Minister Imran Khan on October 7. The provinces also assured their full participation in the campaign.