KARACHI: Higher Education Commission (HEC) clarified that disbursement of funds to universities has been made in transparent manner in accordance with guidelines issued from time to time by Finance Division and Planning Commission for distribution of funds for development projects. Monitoring of these projects is regular feature to ensure proper utilisation of funds and successful project completion.

A news item that appeared in section of press gave impression as if HEC does not adhere to set procedure and has setup a parallel system for distribution of funds for development projects. Contrary to impression, each development project of universities and HEC is currently being operated through separate Assignment Account.

Since development budget of HEC was initially (until FY 2019-20) reflected in Pink Book of Finance Ministry as one liner budget, therefore HEC was allowed to open one Assignment Account for all projects of HEC/Universities. During these years, funds were released to HEC/Universities for their development projects in single Assignment Account No 2167 with approval of Ministry of Planning, Development and Special Initiatives and Finance Secretary.

Published in The Daily National Courier, April, 17 2023

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