The Senate Standing Committee on Federal Education and Professional Training advocated for significant changes and stricter monitoring within the educational system during a meeting at Parliament House on Monday. Senator Bushra Anjum Butt presided over the session, which addressed a comprehensive agenda.
Legislators, including Senators Ashraf Ali Jatoi, Syed Masroor Ahsan, Falak Naz, Fawzia Arshad, Dr. Afnan Ullah Khan, Rahat Jamali, Kamran Murtaza, Khalida Ateeb, Gurdeep Singh, Qurat-ul-Ain Marri, and Sarmad Ali, were present. Representatives from the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training also attended.
Reviewing the Pakistan Institute of Fashion Design (PIFD), the committee examined the progress of suggested legislative revisions. They endorsed vital alterations to the PIFD Act, including mandatory female representation on the institution”s governing body. The Chair emphasized administrator responsibility, endorsing a fixed four-year term for the Vice Chancellor, with renewal dependent on an open selection process.
The committee postponed the Federal Supervision of Curricula, Textbooks and Maintenance of Standards of Education (Amendments) Bill 2024 after a discussion regarding reproductive health education. Differing opinions arose about the appropriate age for this instruction, with some senators rejecting the bill and others proposing age adjustments.
A suggestion to provide complimentary milk in Islamabad Capital Territory schools was cautiously welcomed. Ministry representatives noted logistical obstacles and cost estimates, expressing concerns about milk spoilage. The committee will examine Punjab”s free milk program and consult with dairy companies to evaluate safe and practical execution methods.
The Directorate General of Special Education (DGSE) overviewed its functions and current programs. The Chair highlighted the need for modernization within the special education field, urging revisions to the national policy. Financial reports showed increasing budget shortfalls in the sector.
The committee requested the Health Ministry Secretary”s presence to discuss newborn hearing tests and integration with children’s health records. They also requested a comprehensive analysis of special education funding within the Public Sector Development Program.