Federal Minister for Education Zubaida Jalal has said that the government has planned to award 'indigenous and abroad scholarships' to the faculties of private sector universities, besides the public sector universities.
While talking to newsmen after the convocation of National University of Computer and Engineering Sciences (NUCES) here on Saturday, she said that no country can achieve the goal of economic prosperity and industrial and technological development until it focuses on higher education. "The government is determined to ensure quality education and is taking various steps in this regard," she added.
The grants provided to the universities for conducting research and developmental activities would be monitored and if any university is found involved in misuse of it, no funds would be released to it in future.
The government is paying special attention on research and developmental work in the universities, she added.
To a question regarding shortage of textbooks, the Minister said that the textbook boards of all the provinces and stakeholders had given assurance that they would bring textbooks at least two month before the commencement of academic year.
However, there are reports regarding shortage of books from class six to onward, and the government is taking steps to resolve this issue on top priority basis.
However, the textbooks up to primary level are available and are being distributed in the government schools free of cost, she claimed.
Responding to another question, the minister said that after issuance of a notification, not a single Madrissa has so far been registered. In order to address this issue, a summary is being moved to Law Division proposing either to withdraw the notification or allow Provincial Education Departments to get registered Madrissas.
She said that some religious parties have made the issue of exclusion of some versus from the syllabus of Islamic Studies. Surah Anfal has sufficient substance about Jihad, but government did not exclude the Surah from the syllabus.
Surah-e-Toba and Surah Anfal are still in the syllabus.
Earlier, addressing the ceremony, she said that private sector universities are playing important role in imparting quality education.
On account of various considerations in the past, including the strategic imperatives facing the country, the public sector has not been able to spend adequately in the education sector.
She reiterated the government's resolve in forging a closer, more effective relationship with educational institutions.
NUCES Chancellor Wasim Sajjad in his speech highlighted future plans of the University.
Later, the Minister distributed medals and certificates among the students.