PSF utilizes only a fraction of STEM budget, Chairman criticizes

August 20, 2024 (MLN): While discussing the performance of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) of Pakistan Science Foundation, Chairman Committee Kamil Ali Agha yesterday remarked that it is distressing to note that PSF has managed to utilize only 10% of its allocated funds.

Dr. Saqib Nasir, Project Director of STEM, informed that under STEM project, 50 labs have been established in public schools at a cost of Rs. 50 million.

However, a major portion of the funds couldn’t be utilized due to a ban on the purchase of equipment. PSF is collaborating with China on the Pak-China Joint Working Group to further the footprints of STEM in the national curriculum.

The Committee decided to have a detailed briefing on STEDEC, which is undergoing restructuring as IRADA, in the next meeting.

The Senate Committee deliberated on the Private Member’s Bill titled “Pakistan Halal Authority (Amendment) Bill, 2023.” Senator Dr. Zarqa Suharwardhy, the bill’s mover, stated that the bill aims to strengthen the Pakistan Halal Authority as it encompasses the guidelines for the enforcement of Halal standards.

Officials from the Ministry of Science and Technology (MoST) informed that the proposed amendments are part of the Pakistan Halal Authority (PHA) Act. Senator Kamil Ali Agha inquired about the existing strength and criteria followed for new recruitment at PHA.

Officials replied that a total of 100 posts are sanctioned, and PHA is currently working with a strength 38 officials, including six inspectors.

PHA is in the process of fulfilling the remaining sanctioned posts. The Committee recommended that relevant experience, along with a diploma in Halal certification, should be required for the posts of inspectors.

Elaborating the PHA’s achievements till date, it has registered 16 local Halal certification bodies, one foreign certification body, and registered slaughter houses,mainly in Punjab.

Furthermore, the committee was briefed on the role and performance of the National Institute of Electronics (NIE).

Acting Director General for NIE, Zawar Hussain, apprised that the major role of NIE is to carry out design and development and to prepare prototypes in vital areas of electronics.

NIE has developed a number of prototypes including processor chips, and recently, an electric vehicle kit for small cars and many other devices.

Additionally, NIE offers testing  of various electronics devices,their capacity and calibration services to government and private institutions at a minimal cost.

The Committee appreciated the contributions of NIE and recommended that NIE shift its focus toward the commercialization of these inventions so that the masses could benefit from them.

 The Committee also recommended that NIE revise its service fees, as it will help in making the institution self-sufficient.

Moreover, the committee discussed the economic potential of cannabis.

Chairman PCSIR, Dr. Syed Hussain Abidi, informed that medicinal cannabis has a $30 billion market and is in high demand worldwide.

PCSIR has successfully developed cannabis products, mainly hemp cinnamon tea, hemp ginger tea, hemp jams, hemp cookies, and hemp curative oil and shampoo.

Additionally, cannabis can be used in textiles, food, and the construction industry, and it has a market potential of $4 to $5 billion.

Given its economic importance, Pakistan has established the Cannabis Control and Regulatory Authority (CCRA).

The Board of Governors of CCRA has been finalized, with the Secretary for the Defence Division as chairperson and the Chief Secretary of each province as members. The Committee recommended that two Senators also be made part of the Board.

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