Noting that around Rs 300,000 from the public exchequer are spent on each trainee.
ISLAMABAD:
The National Assembly Standing Committee on Education on Monday expressed concern over the transparency of a government-funded nursing training programme, questioned the financial and administrative crisis at the Federal Urdu University of Arts, Science and Technology (FUUAST) and reviewed the regulatory framework governing Cambridge qualifications in Pakistan.
The committee, which met in Parliament with Acting President Mahtab Akbar Rashdi as its chairman, sought a detailed explanation from the National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC) on the selection of the International Skills Center (ICS) as the implementing partner of the NCLEX Nursing Training Programme.
The committee was informed that the initiative is designed to prepare Pakistani registered nurses for international licensing and employment. However, members expressed concern that the selection of 500 trainees had not been publicly announced and the candidates had been nominated by the Pakistan Nursing and Midwifery Council (PNMC).
Noting that around Rs 300,000 are being spent from the government exchequer on each trainee, the committee directed NAVTTC to submit full details on selection of implementing partner, nomination criteria and implementation framework of the programme.
The committee also expressed serious concern about the persistent governance, financial and administrative problems at FUUAST. Members were informed that financial constraints had delayed the payment of salaries and pensions to teachers, employees and retired staff, creating administrative difficulties and unrest among employees.
Criticizing the university administration for not resolving the issues, the committee highlighted that the vice-chancellor should actively involve relevant authorities to ensure financial support.
With APP input
