ISLAMABAD, Nov 28: The government is still facing `aftershocks` of the 18th Amendment as there is disconnect between the education ministry and educational institutions working under the provinces.

Education, especially curriculum development, should be a federal subject.

This was said by State Minister for Education and Training Baleegh-ur-Rahman while addressing the Vice Chancellors` Committee meeting held in Islamabad on Thursday. Almost 70 vice chancellors (VCs) of different universities participated in the meeting.

`If each province develops its own curriculum, it will create disconnect among different units of the country,` the minister added.

`The ministry is also considering establishing a National Curriculum Commission which would be headed by different provinces on a rotation basis. The federal government is giving extra importance to the education sector, and technical education will be provided to 25,000 students,` he said.

Mr Rahman said a selection committee had been proposed to appoint a permanent Higher Education Commission (HEC) chairperson on merit, adding that HEC should launch projects for the uplift of educational institutions in rural areas.

He said the government would gradually increase the education budget to four per cent of the GDP.

Acting Chairman HEC Engr. Imtiaz Hussain Gilani said certain proposed changes in the higher education setup in provinces were dangerous for the future of university education.

He requested the government to ensureautonomy of these institutions otherwise the quality of education would be compromised.

VC Quaid-i-Azam University Prof Dr Masoom Yasinzai said in Pakistan, 7 million children were out of school.

Dr Yasinzai said in 2002, 20 million children in India were out of school but this number reduced to 4 million in 2013.

`This is because the Indian government imposed an education emergency. Pakistan should also take the issue seriously and ensure education for all,` he said.

VC University of Agriculture Faisalabad Prof Dr Iqrar Ahmad Khan said the admission process in universities should be revised and merit in admission policy assured.Similarly VC Sindh Madressatul Islam University Dr Mohammad Ali Sheikh said HEC was being run on adhocism as the acting chairperson was running all the affairs.

`The ministry should advertise the post of chairperson and start a competitive process for the appointment,` he said.

VC University of Gujrat Dr Mohammad Nizamuddin said a task force should be established to monitor issues of the education.

VC Institute of Space Technology Engr Imran Rahman told Dawn it seemed as if there was disconnect between VCs and the ministry which was not a good sign for the education sector.

`Educational institutions should get autonomy along with their responsibility, and the ministry should get feedback on projects. Unfortunately, every government announces a new policy for education due to which problems are increasing. Continuity of policies is necessary for the progress of the education sector,` he maintained.