Financial crunch : Cash-strapped universities in K-P face a looming crisis

Despite bailouts, some varsities plan to cut salaries and spending

PESHAWAR:

With rising costs, plunging revenues, and the coronavirus pandemic that has changed the face of education, universities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) are showing signs of a financial crisis that has the potential of seizing higher education in the province.

The University of Peshawar, one of the oldest higher education institutions in the country, disclosed it has decided to slash salaries and pensions by 40%.

“This decision is very unfair as teaching staff at the university worked day and night even during the pandemic when the classes shifted to remote instructions,” said Dr Fazal Nasir, who heads the Peshawar University Teachers Association (PUTA).

“Instead of rewarding the hard work and effort, the university is punishing its workers,” added Dr. Nasir.

According to a document from the Higher Education Commission, the provincial government provided Rs. 1,4801 million to more than two dozen public sector universities in K-P.

However, most higher education institutions in the province appear to be inching closer to some form of a financial crisis.

The document said that the government provided Rs. 170 million to Malakand University, University of Engineering and Technology in Dir received Rs. 250 million, Abdul Wali Khan University in Mardan received Rs. 2,347.03 million, Bacha Khan University in Charsadda received Rs. 727.70 million, the University of Swabi received Rs. 1147.98 million, and the University of Haripur received Rs. 1289.56 million. The funds were injected over a period of five years.

During the session of the provincial assembly, Khushdil Khan, a legislator from Peshawar, raised the red flag over the looming financial crisis.

“The situation of education institutions in K-P is alarming,” cautioned the lawmaker. On the floor of the provincial assembly, Khan pointed out that key positions at several universities were still vacant.

“Eight universities do not have a Vice-Chancellor, 20 do not have a registrar, and 23 did not have a permanent controller of examinations,” revealed Khan.

According to the lawmaker, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Engineering University Peshawar, Bannu University, Fata University, Khyber Medical University, Kohat University, Bacha Khan University Charsadda and Technical University Nowshera need to appoint a vice-chancellor.

Commenting on the issue, K-P Governor Shah Farman said: “The government will make amendments in the Universities Act allowing higher education institutions in the province to manage their affairs.”

More autonomy, he said, should not be mistaken for less accountability.

The governor expressed disappointment over the rising number of harassment complaints that have reached his office.

“It is very embarrassing and shocking at the same time to see a rise in such cases,” said Governor Farman.

Taking a potshot at previous administrations, he said, universities in the province are full of political appointees and the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf government will clean the house.

“The government will make the required changes to the Universities Act to make higher education institutions more accountable.”

In a direct warning to university administrations, the governor said: “The K-P government will not let corruption, financial irregularities and nepotism continue in the province.”

Published in The Express Tribune, August 16^th, 2020.