Financial Crisis at University of Balochistan: PAC Raises Concerns
Financial Crisis at University of Balochistan
PAC Raises Concerns
The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of the Balochistan Assembly has expressed worries about the financial troubles at the University of Balochistan. This follows a review of the university's accounts for 2019-21, audit findings for 2021-23, and ongoing teacher protests over unpaid salaries.
Meeting Highlights
PAC Chairman Asghar Tareen led a meeting to discuss these issues, emphasizing the need for special attention to the university's challenges. Attendees included committee members Fazal Qadir Mandokhail, Rehmat Saleh Baloch, Assembly Secretary Tahir Shah Kakar, and University Vice Chancellor Zahoor Ahmed Bazai.
During the meeting, officials pointed out financial and administrative irregularities. The Vice Chancellor revealed that the university's endowment fund was misused in 2016, with unqualified individuals sent abroad for education, many of whom went missing.
Recruitment and Financial Issues
The PAC Chairman noted that previous vice chancellors recruited many officers and employees, often relatives, during their final days in office. These individuals were protected after a new vice chancellor took over.
The university faces a pension obligation for 900 retired employees. The Vice Chancellor mentioned that the average student fee per semester is PKR 32,000, which he deemed reasonable. However, increased college admissions due to BS programs have reduced university enrollment. Additionally, there has been a decrease in financial grants from the Higher Education Commission.
Recommendations and Actions
The committee urged the university to generate its own income as an autonomous institution. It also demanded the recovery of PKR 22.87 million for failing to collect house rent allowance and maintenance expenses from residential employees.
Regarding the distribution of 370 laptops in 2013-2014, the committee ordered the recovery of costs for 29 laptops given to university officials, which violated rules. The recovery should be through salary or pension deductions.
The committee expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of implementation of its decisions, which were instead referred to the university syndicate.
Doubts Revealed
Financial Crisis
A financial crisis means that the university is having trouble managing its money. This can lead to problems like not being able to pay for teachers, books, or other important things needed for students.
University of Balochistan
The University of Balochistan is a place where people go to study after school, like a college. It is located in the Balochistan region, which is a part of Pakistan.
PAC
PAC stands for Public Accounts Committee. It is a group of people in the government who check how money is being spent to make sure it is used properly.
Balochistan Assembly
The Balochistan Assembly is a group of elected people who make laws and decisions for the Balochistan region in Pakistan.
Misuse of funds
Misuse of funds means that money was not used for the right things. For example, if money meant for buying books was used for something else, it is called misuse.
Irregular recruitment
Irregular recruitment means hiring people for jobs in a way that is not fair or proper. This can happen if people are hired without following the right rules or processes.
Reduced student enrollment
Reduced student enrollment means fewer students are joining the university. This can be a problem because it might mean the university is not doing well or is not attractive to students.
University syndicate
A university syndicate is a group of important people at the university who make big decisions about how the university is run.
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