University funds: Syndicate approves PU budget for Rs6 billion

Syndicate also approves initiative to facilitate students from Balochistan by offering free education, board, stipend.

LAHORE:

A Punjab University Syndicate meeting, presided over by Vice Chancellor Mujahid Kamran, on Saturday approved a Rs6 billion budget for the year 2013-14.

The university expects a Rs1.777 billion grant from the Higher Education Commission, which is 35 per cent of the university’s income, Rs5.05 billion.

The funds allocated for research have been increased from Rs85 million to Rs100 million- 1.5 per cent of the budget.

The syndicate approved a proposal for not increasing the fees of enrolled students. The syndicate members appreciated the fact the PU’s academic and hostel dues are considerably less than other public sector universities’.

The syndicate also approved the initiative to facilitate students from Balochistan by offering free education, boarding facilities and a Rs3,000 monthly stipend for each student.

The university has set up a committee to generate funds for PU to facilitate research projects. The committee will be headed by Higher Education Department Additional Secretary Amna Imam. Special students will be provided free education and boarding facilities, students admitted on the sports seats will be provided full scholarships.

The university will continue to waive tuition fee of students who have memorised the Quran by heart. Seed money of Rs50 million has been allocated for the establishment of Punjab University Medical and Dental College. The university has allocated Rs75 million for scholarships for international students and Rs36 million for conferences.

The PU will allocate Rs93.677 million for scholarships, student affairs and career counselling.

Rs162 million has been set aside for hostel subsidy, Rs59.144 million for transport subsidy and Rs13.730 for internet subsidy, a statement from PU said.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 23^rd, 2013.