Various research centres of excellence: FAPUASA concerned about alarming financial situation

LAHORE: The Federation of All Pakistan Universities Academic Staff Association (FAPUASA), President Prof Dr Kaleemullah Bareach, General Secretary Prof Dr Akhtiar Ghumro, and all Central Executive Council members in their joint press statement expressed their deep concern about the alarming financial situation which has gripped various research centers of excellence, Pakistan Study Centers and Area study centers across the country.

These esteemed institutions, which were established in 1976 to produce researchers that historically, been at the forefront of academic research, are currently facing a severe financial crunch that threatens their ability to function effectively. It is very unfortunate that all of these research centers are unable to pay the enhanced salaries, which included a commendable 35 and 30 percent increase in salaries while the researchers and employees are deprived from approved allowances including house requisition. This critical financial situation is having a profound and detrimental impact on the research environment within these centres. Yet, the financial distress faced by these institutions has begun to erode the infrastructure necessary for high-quality research to flourish.

On behalf of FAPUASA Central, we strongly demand from the federal and provincial governments, as well as the Higher Education Commission (HEC), to take immediate and decisive measures to alleviate the financial distress faced by the employees, faculty, and these esteemed research centers. Failure to address this issue in a timely manner not only affects the livelihoods of those dedicated to academic pursuits but also hampers the progress and growth of our nation.

Meanwhile, Secretary Punjab University Academic Staff Association Dr Amjad Abbas Magsi said that HEC has refused to pay faculty and staff the increase of 30 & 35 percent in their salaries. The Punjab Government gave the permission to give raise on current basis in to the basic scales. The Universities gave permission to give raise while the Centers located in the respective universities don’t get the funds. Federal Government has granted the increase in salaries on running basic salaries in June 2023. But the HEC has not shifted this due right to the Centers while HEC has adopted this increase for its own staff. The discrimination with faculty and staff of the Centers is highly questionable which needs to be redressed with immediate effect.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2023