PSC recommends National Higher Education Commission to replace UGC and Vocational Training Authority
View(s):A Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) has recommended the replacement of both the University Grants Commission (UGC) and Vocational Training Authority of Sri Lanka by an independent National Higher Education Commission (NHEC) by way of a legislative enactment.
The recommendation has been made in the final report submitted by the PSC appointed to make suitable recommendations for the expansion of higher education opportunities in Sri Lanka.
The PSC, chaired by Justice Minister Dr Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe presented its report to Parliament recently. The report recommends that the new NHEC consist of 11 (or suitable number) who have achieved significant eminence with integrity in their respective fields such as academia, profession and management. The Commission shall have the authority to exercise its powers, functions and duties independently. Its members shall be appointed by the President with the prior approval of the Constitutional Council. Members shall continue to hold the office for a period of three years. The President shall appoint the Chairman among the members so appointed.
The Commission shall be empowered to establish sub-committees, consisting of a specified number of members from and among the main body as decided by the Commission based on a criterion stipulated in their Rules. These sub-committees shall be established for the following categories; (i) State Universities, (ii) Non-State Universities/Institutes, (iii) Vocational Education Universities/Institutes, (iv) Quality Assurance.
Among other recommendations submitted by the PSC are; to revamp administrative system of State universities by casting responsibility on finance, good governance, accountability and transparency while preserving their autonomy, and to introduce a legal framework for the private sector higher education recognising universities and institutes with sufficient incentives and guidelines. Another recommendation is to initiate a programme to establish 25 universities in 25 districts, with a focus on both academic and vocational education, preferably through public-private-partnership models.
The PSC has also recommended granting degree-awarding status to Technical Education institutes after upgrading their courses. In addition, the authorities may identify other institutions where vocational education is maintained to expected standards so they could also be upgraded to degree-awarding institutes. (SJ)
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