Irregularities in allocation of funds are not new to Sindh, and the latest such large-scale impropriety has been identified in the sports funds issued to government colleges across Karachi.
Millions of rupees have been released to several government colleges with low enrollment numbers, without any rhyme or reason, to the detriment of institutions with a higher student populace, who will now have to shelve sporting events.
As per data shared with the Express Tribune by sources privy to the information, Rs 370,000 has been released to Government City College No. 2, Rs 745,000 to Government College Commerce and Economics No. 2, Rs 605,000 to Government Superior Commerce College Evening, Rs 605,000 to Government Degree Boys College Gulistan-e-Johar Evening, and Rs 380,000 to Quaid-e-Millat Government College. Despite the fact that these five institutions only hold evening classes and have a low student count, the funds given to them are much higher compared to other colleges which operate during regular hours and have higher enrollment.
Similarly, Government College Murad Memon Goth has been allocated Rs 730,000; Government Degree Girls College PIB has been given Rs 410,000; Dukhtar-e-Mashriq Government College received Rs 800,000; Government Degree Girls College Hijrat Colony located in Sultanabad got Rs 640,000; and Government Degree College for Women of Ibrahim Hyderi was given Rs 770,000.
In contrast, the renowned Sir Syed Girls College, with a large student population has been allocated a paltry Rs 200,000. “This sum cannot even cover the expenses of even one of our sporting events,” informed a teacher at the college under the condition of anonymity.
Government Premier College for Women with an enrollment of over 3,000 students has the same grievance as it has only received a measly Rs 70,000.
Similarly, Government Boys College Sector 42 Korangi, with a student count of more than 2,500 has only been allocated Rs 80,000. The same is the case for Allama Iqbal Science College which got Rs 97,000; Government Premier Boys College which got Rs 70,000; Government National College which got Rs 150,000, and Adamjee College which got Rs 250,000.
When quizzed about the apparent irregularities in the allocation of sports funds, Regional Director Colleges, Professor Sulaiman Sial, replied: “I have just joined the office.” Upon being told that his answer was unsatisfactory, Professor Sial acknowledged that allocations without any rhyme or reason should not have happened. “Others have also complained to me about the issue and it merits an investigation,” he added.
Director General Colleges Sindh, Professor Shadab Hussain, was also asked about the irregularities, and like Professor Sial, Professor Hussain, said, “this matter took place before I joined the office.” When pointed out that this was hardly an excuse that could be relied on when taxpayer money was involved, Professor Hussain quickly said, “the matter has come to my knowledge but I have not received any formal complaint by any Principal of the concerned colleges.” When asked if he planned on doing anything until he received a complaint, the Director General told the Express Tribune that if a written complaint was tendered, they would investigate the issue further.
Published in The Express Tribune, April 27th, 2023.
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