Islamabad: The National Assembly Standing Committee on Federal Education and Professional Training convened its 22nd meeting, chaired by Syeda Amnah Batool, to address pivotal issues including the regulation of school fees, vocational training reform, and the use of facilities intended for children with disabilities. The committee expressed concerns over current practices and highlighted the need for comprehensive strategies in these areas.
According to National Assembly of Pakistan, the committee was informed of the development of an online portal for private schools and the introduction of a cap on annual fee increases, set between 5% and 10%. Additionally, the committee criticized the Private Educational Institutions Regulatory Authority (PIERA) for its lack of a comprehensive strategy to regulate private school fees effectively and to enhance its operational capacity.
The committee also scrutinized the process of issuing school leaving certificates, emphasizing the need for verification from educational institutions. Furthermore, it stressed the importance of incorporating civic education into the curriculum to foster ethical development in students.
The meeting addressed the operation of eight international boards in Pakistan, noting their role in offering schools a choice of boards and tackling issues like paper leakage. Concerns were raised about the use of buildings meant for the Directorate General of Special Education by other institutions, with the committee urging the reclaiming of these facilities for their original purpose.
The committee learned about the National Vocational and Technical Training Commission’s (NAVTTC) shift towards demand-driven, industry-led training models aimed at enhancing employability. The briefing included details on NAVTTC’s new training programs, targeted upskilling efforts, and the introduction of digital processes to ensure job-centric outcomes.
The Inter Boards Coordination Commission (IBCC) briefed the committee on its core services, including document attestation and equivalence certification. The committee noted the IBCC’s commitment to providing multiple service channels and maintaining a transparent, digitalized system to improve public service delivery.
Expressing appreciation for the Ministry’s initiatives and reforms, the committee acknowledged the efforts of IBCC, PIERA, and DGSE in responding to its recommendations. The meeting was attended by several Members of the National Assembly and officials from the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training.