LAHORE: The University of Education (UE)SyndicateonMonday approved Rs3.499 billion annual budget for the financial year 2022-23.

The 67th meeting of the Syndicate was held at UE`s Township Campus. UE Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Talat Naseer Pasha presided over the meeting while University of Home Economic VC Dr Kanwal Ameen and other members were also present.

The Syndicate has allocated Rs673.347 million for development and Rs 2826.084m for non-development budget.

It also approved establishment of a university development office to enhance revenue generation from non-traditional sources to support the financial autonomy of the university.

During its meeting, the Syndicate approved collaboration with Hebei Academy of Fine Arts, China, for joint doctoraland master training programme in history, arts and culture heritage.

VC Talat Pasha said the UE had signed an agreement with the University of Engineering and Technology (UET) to enhance the online and blended pedagogical skills of teachers and bring the teaching system in line with modern requirements under the International Institute of Online Education (IIOE) Programme launched in Pakistan in collaboration withUnesco.

He said: `We are also going towards a solar energy system to overcome the energy crises and a tender has been issued for the main campus of the university.

He said smart classrooms were also established with the collaboration of the Higher Education Commission (HEC), Pakistan.

`We are now providing free internet services to all our students to meet the international standard of education,` he added.