428 HEC scholars sent abroad are absconding, Senate body told

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Islamabad, Feb 21 (TNS): The Senate Standing Committee on Federal Education and Professional Training was on Monday told that 428 scholars who were sent abroad by the Higher Education Commission (HEC) for pursuing PhDs and MS leading to PhD have been declared absconders and that action is being initiated against them.

The committee, which met with just three of its 11 members in attendance, could not hold a discussion on this subject due to the lengthy agenda. However, the HEC working paper says that a total of 5,780 overseas scholarships have been awarded till date of which 3,807 students have completed their studies, 1,537 are still studying and 428 have absconded.

According to HEC rules, PhD candidates and research scholars that it finances are to return home after finishing their courses and serve the country for at least five years. All candidates who get HEC scholarships have to sign a bond in this regard.

The HEC offers three oversees scholarships including the overseas scholarship scheme for PhD in selected fields, phase one and two, and the HRDI MS leading to PhD for faculty members of University of Engineering Science and Technology Pakistan. HEC working paper says 5,780 overseas scholarships awarded till date of which 3,807 students have completed their studies, 1,537 still studying

According to the HEC working paper, 428 of the scholars who received one of the overseas scholarships have been declared absconders by the HEC for various reason such as not completing their PhDs, not completing their doctorates and not returning and completing their degree but returning to the country later, MS completed and enrolled in PhD but not completed the doctorate degree and PhD studies left for medical grounds. The documents say that of the 428 absconders, the HEC has received the expenses it incurred plus 25pc penalty from 55 of the students and that 11 are in the process of paying the expenses and penalties. There are cases against 116 of the students in the courts and legal action is being initiated against the remaining 338 scholars.