Quetta: The finance committee of provincial universities convened yesterday under the leadership of Provincial Finance Minister Mir Shoaib Ahmad Noshirwani, addressing significant changes to the grant-in-aid distribution formula and other financial matters affecting higher education.

According to University of Balochistan, the meeting featured key educational stakeholders including Provincial Minister of Education Mrs. Rahila Hameed Durrani and vice-chancellors from across the province. Some participants from remote areas joined via video link, underscoring the session’s inclusivity. The committee reviewed and slightly modified the annual grant-in-aid distribution formula based on recommendations from university vice-chancellors and members, aiming to enhance its effectiveness.

Prof. Dr. Zahoor Ahmad Bazai, Vice Chancellor of the University of Balochistan, expressed gratitude towards the finance and education ministers for their ongoing support and voiced optimism for future cooperation to foster university development.

The committee also tackled issues faced by remote university campuses in areas like Kharan, Mastung, and Pishin. A key decision was to grant Director Drawing and Disbursing Officer (DDO) powers to the directors of these sub-campuses to expedite financial processes. Additionally, the Jamia Balochistan administration received authorization to promote staff under university regulations, pending final approvals from the Finance and Planning Committee.