The Federation of All-Pakistan Universities Academic Staff Association (FAPUASA) will hold a general body meeting on June 28 (Thursday) to decide the future strategy against non-release of funds amounting to Rs 12 billion to the Higher Education Commission (HEC) for the 74 public sector universities. Talking to APP, FAPUASA President Kaleemullah Bareach said the association has urged the government to immediately release the allocated funds, including Rs 6 billion for recurring and Rs 6 billion for development expenditure, for the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2011-12. The remaining recurring budget of Rs 6 billion will be meant for 50 percent increase in salaries of government servants, he said and added the association has also demanded reinstatement of the sacked teachers of Shaheed Benazir Bhutto University. He said the universities were facing severe difficulties in terms of paying salaries to the employees and would fail to continue academic activities smoothly if funds were not released in time. Kaleem ullah said the present budget allocation of Rs 15.8 billion for higher education for all public sector universities of the country is insufficient and could not fulfil their needs, while the developmental budget, was also far less than the required amount.
The association observed Monday as Black Day in all public sector universities against non-release of funds, by displaying banners. He expressed the fear that the unavailability of funds for salaries of university employees can lead to closure of universities. The nonpayment of funds will harm the future of thousands of employees and students especially those who are studying abroad on scholarships, he added.
