The Higher Education Commission has decided to frame a new policy for scholars sent abroad.According to details surfaced on Tuesday, a proposal has been put forward to abolish penalties imposed on those who fail to complete PhD programmes at public expense. It has also been proposed that scholars who do not complete their degrees on time will not face harassment.

The HEC said that the global failure rate among PhD scholars stands at 50 per cent, while in Pakistan it is five per cent.Under the new policy, amendments will be made to the affidavit signed by scholars prior to departure. Sources said no legal proceedings will follow the return of unsuccessful scholars. A review is also under way regarding bond conditions and the five-year restriction placed on scholars, sources added.

However, penalties will remain for those unsuccessful scholars who choose to settle abroad. The HEC said that recoveries worth millions remain outstanding from more than 100 absconding scholars. Discouraging political asylum will also form part of the new policy, according to sources.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)