Let the task begin
THE higher education sector is the most important producer of knowledge. Models of economic growth have underscored the central role of knowledge accumulation to the GDP. The modern higher education sector, with its mix of teaching, innovation and research, is different from that of yesteryears, which only served as teaching grounds. Innovation, creativity and interdisciplinary research have become vital components of teaching, and with knowledge exchange programmes, the university contributes more directly to the knowledge economy than any other institution.
The HEC evolved from the University Grants Commission (UGC) and was established in 2002 after a year-long study at the recommendations of a 17-member task force consisting of eminent educationists. Though the HEC is among the few institutions in Pakistan that is performing well, the world has moved forward considerably. Bangladesh and Sri Lanka are in the process of replicating the HEC model, and India is going a step further and establishing a supra-HEC, called the National Commission on Higher Education and Research (NCHER).
There is a dire need to revisit the HEC Ordinance 2002, especially after the 18th Amendment, and in view of new global realities. The continuation of the HEC as a federal autonomous body is fundamental to the development of Pakistan and towards the creation of a knowledge economy. This is already in conformity with the 18th Amendment through the 4th Schedule (Article 70(4) Federal Legislative Lists Part-I and Part-II), which fully supports the current powers and functions of the HEC and includes standards of higher education and research as federal subjects.
There is a need to review the performance of the HEC over the last 10 years and also recommend improvements in its functions through an independent task force. This proposal was put forward to the prime minister’s high powered committee, consisting of four federal ministers and five federal secretaries and established to resolve the post-devolution issues of various ministries, including the HEC.
Upon receiving the proposal from the chairman of the HEC, the committee decided that the HEC may constitute the task force, which would submit its recommendations to the prime minister and the cabinet to reform the HEC. Accordingly, the composition and terms of reference (TOR) for the task force were discussed in commission meetings (the 18-member governing body of the HEC), and after detailed deliberations, proposed TORs and composition of the task force on higher education and research.
The purpose of the task force is to be a “consultative forum that will review the HEC Act 2002 in the post-18th amendment constitutional scenario based on the analysis of the HEC performance/achievements since its establishment, observance of global trends, requirements of national development and, wideranging consultations with the provinces and the stakeholders.
The task force shall put forward its recommendations to the prime minister for structure, autonomy and role of the HEC that will safeguard the development of higher education and research in Pakistan and in the provinces parallel to the national strategic interests and global competitive levels and in full compliance with the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.
“The task force is to comprise 24 members representing all important sectors of the country, including higher education, science and technology, national economy, business and industry, public and private educational institutions, federal and provincial governments, chancellors and parliament.
Over 30 stakeholders are identified, including the federal and provincial governments, parliament and provincial assemblies, the private sector, civil society, faculty and student associations, legal community, media representatives, donor and funding agencies, and foreign regulatory and higher education bodies. The task force is to complete the process of dialogue and recommendations within six months of notification.
“Among the TORs are: review the HEC Act 2002 in the light of the 18th Amendment and make recommendations for changes and/or improvement in its functions; analyse the current role of provinces in higher education and suggest an enhanced and improved role of proposed provincial higher education commission/councils with powers and functions, and how they would relate to the federal HEC; review the performance of the HEC over the last 10 years since its establishment in 2002, conduct a SWOT analysis, and make recommendations for the way forward in view of the dynamic changes in the higher education sector and challenges of the 21st century... “...examine the impact of current functions/role of HEC, primarily in formulation of policies, guiding principles and priorities for development of higher education sector and promotion of research and development in Pakistan, and in recommending new strategies in priority areas; review the global trends for higher education and research around the world, specifically in emerging economics and developing countries, with a focus on its role towards the creation of a knowledge economy, and how the HEC can perform its role better; and analyse and recommend how quality and governance can be further improved in institutions of higher learning all over Pakistan.
“The task force would make recommendations to the prime minister on the status, structure, and level of autonomy of the federal HEC and the proposed provincial HECs so that new legislations in uniformity can take place at the federal and provincial levels”. It is unfortunate that the task force is still awaiting notification even nine months after its formation. For the higher education sector to move forward in a highly competitive knowledge economy, and in the interest of Pakistan, it is essential that the task force be notified by the prime minister at the earliest.