The Higher Education Commission (HEC) on Monday prohibited all its administrative staff from doing part-time jobs as well as undertaking studies without obtaining prior permission. The commission decided that no official would be allowed to enroll in evening study programmes without first obtaining formal permission from the department. “Improving education without first obtaining a no objection certificate (NOC) from senior management through relevant section heads/in-charge will be considered an act of violation,” the commission said. Requesting anonymity, an official told Daily Times that the decision was taken in a meeting chaired by HEC Chairman Dr Tariq Banuri. “Almost all other senior officials of the commission were present in the meeting held a few days ago. It was categorically decided in the meeting that no one will be allowed to do part-time jobs anywhere,” the official said, adding that Dr Banuri wanted strict implementation of the directive. “If any official is found doing a part-time job or studying without first obtaining an official NOC, he will be terminated immediately without any inquiry,” the official quoted Dr Banuri as having said in the meeting. He said that Dr Banuri had taken notice of reports that several senior HEC officials were working in a public sector university in the evening shift. Another official who was present in the meeting told Daily Times on the condition of anonymity that apart from taking admission in evening study programmes, the commission had also barred staff from studying through private education system or through distance learning. Despite repeated attempts by Daily Times, Dr Banuri remained unavailable for comments on Monday. HEC chairman asks staff to obtain NOC before enrolling in evening programmes or face termination from jobs Talking to Daily Times, HEC Media Director Ayesha Ikram defended the decision, stating that it was a routine matter. “They have just asked the officials who wish to study to obtain NOCs,” she said, adding that the HEC authorities were more than happy if any official wanted to improve his/her educational credentials. A well informed official, however, disclosed that after the incumbent chairman assumed office, he had not issued a single NOC to any official for higher studies. “A few employees who want to pursue studies have applied for NOCs. However, their applications are still pending for the past many months,” he said. The official said that it was good to monitor official performance of each employee as it was a matter of public interest. “If any employee violates the rules, action should be taken against him. However, the way the commission has announced to terminate staff members without holding any inquiry is a violation of fundamental rights of government employees,” he said. He said that the chairman should concentrate on taking policy-level decisions in order to upgrade the higher education sector instead of wasting his time in such trivial issues. “Such announcements just show that the new administration is trying to tighten its grip on staff by denying their rightful demands,” the official said. Earlier, Dr Banuri issued a similar directive that had surprised HEC employees. He prohibited all staff of the commission from contacting any of his predecessors without first obtaining the approval of the senior management. “It is notified for the information of all concerned that any correspondence from any HEC official to any past chairperson of the HEC, including Dr Attaur Rehman, Dr Javed Leghari and Dr Mukhtar Ahmed, has to be personally approved by the chairman. No exceptions,” stated a notification issued by Dr Banuri.