Sindh varsities face financial crisis

KARACHI:

Public sector universities in Sindh are grappling with grueling administrative and financial issues. The University of Karachi has requested an additional Rs1 billion from the federal government to address its cash crunch.

While speaking on the floor of the Sindh Assembly on Tuesday, Sindh Minister for Universities and Boards Muhammad Ali Malkani revealed that 300 people at Sindh University Jamshoro have been identified as receiving pensions in violation of regulations. Removing these ineligible pensioners has resulted in savings of Rs40 million out of a total of 2,200 pensions.

He also revealed that the University of Karachi is owed Rs340 million in outstanding student fees. He stressed the need for federal assistance due to rising operational costs and the inability of universities to meet expenses from their own income.

Malkani further stated that steps are being taken to separate electricity meters for commercial and residential activities within universities to better manage utility costs.