Rs50bn funds for varsities demanded

LAHORE: A meeting of the Executive Council of the Punjab University’s Academic Staff Association (PU-ASA) on Tuesday demanded the Punjab government allocate funds of Rs50bn for the universities on the pattern of Sindh and Balochistan.

The meeting was presided over by Dr Amjad Abbas and Secretary Dr M Islam moderated the proceedings. The council expressed gratitude for the support from political parties, media, and civil society for the genuine cause of higher education. The council demanded the govt allocate funds of Rs 50bn for the universities on the pattern of Sindh and Balochistan, who have allocated R35 billion and 5 billion for the universities in Sindh and Balochistan, respectively.

The council also expressed deep concerns over the prevailing administrative affairs of PU. The president and secretary had written a letter to the selection board for bringing more transparency and giving weightage to the teaching experience in selection criteria for professors and associate professors. The syndicate, in its meeting held on April 30, 2024, referred that letter by ASA to the selection board for giving the opportunity of personal hearing to the president / secretary regarding the selection criteria. The council criticised the attitude of the incumbent Acting VC / PVC, who, despite repeated reminders, allegedly did not place the letter before selection boards despite clear directions from the syndicate.