KARACHI: The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) has issued an advisory on various financial irregularities prevalent in different universities of Sindh.
The NAB forwarded letters to principal secretary to Sindh governor under Accountability Ordinance 1999, along with the recommendations formulated in a concise document. According to the law, NAB can advise the public authorities on the measures to combat corruption and corrupt practices as well as to recommend amendments in laws, rules and regulations for the elimination of corruption.
The advisory followed an enquiry conducted by NAB on the allegations of various malpractices and irregularities prevalent in Karachi University (KU) since long. The enquiry concluded in highlighting aberrations and breaches of rules and regulations on a range of administrative and financial matters.
The financial irregularities included payment of leave encashment granted to all the employees whereas only retiring employees are entitled to it. Payment of overtime to senior officers, non-budgetary expenditures, account handling of provident fund, procurements without observing SPPRA rules, weak internal audit and financial control mechanisms are some of the financial aspects highlighted in the advisory document.
The document also advises the university authorities for better management of its assets in order to generate the highest revenues for the institution.
NAB has formulated recommendations on the very important aspect of ‘appointments’ as well. The document highlights the irregularities in appointments of university employees, which include appointment without advertising vacancies and selection after bypassing the competitive process, recruiting beyond the sanctioned posts, awarding of higher grades and non-adherence to HEC requirements.
The university authorities have also been advised to comply with the directions of the Supreme Court (SC) of Pakistan, contained in variously reported judgments pronounced on the matters of appointments. It has also been advised that the universities may streamline their rules and regulations in consonance with government rules and SC’s directions.
The advisory document requires that NAB is furnished with an intimation of implementation of recommendations in due course.