KARACHI (Education Reporter) A high-level meeting of Vice Chancellors from all public sector universities in the province was held under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary Sindh, Asif Hyder Shah. The meeting undertook a detailed review of the overall performance of universities, financial and administrative challenges, educational standards, research, infrastructure, and facilities provided to students. Vice Chancellors from 32 public universities across the province, the Chairman of the Sindh Higher Education Commission, the Secretary for Universities and Boards, and other relevant officials attended the session.
During the meeting, comprehensive assessments were conducted on financial difficulties facing the universities, faculty and human resource constraints, campus infrastructure and development projects, governance and administrative matters, student welfare, scholarships, transport, accommodation, digitization, electricity expenses, as well as pension and salary liabilities. The Vice Chancellors briefed the Chief Secretary on the specific problems, needs, and priorities of their respective institutions and presented various proposals to enhance educational standards, research output, infrastructure, and student amenities.
Chief Secretary Asif Hyder Shah stated that the Sindh government is fully aware of the challenges confronting public universities and aims to collaborate closely with Vice Chancellors to implement practical solutions. He highlighted that the Sindh government is providing a grant of Rs. 44,460 million to provincial universities during the current fiscal year. However, he noted that pension liabilities and outstanding dues have become a significant burden. To alleviate this financial strain, he stressed discouraging unnecessary hiring, particularly in non-faculty cadres, and mentioned that recommendations regarding university Syndicate cases would be submitted to the provincial cabinet.
It was further decided in the meeting that involving experts from the education and higher education sectors in university Syndicate cases would be considered. While universities are actively focusing on research, there remains a pressing need to properly accredit academic research and link it with industry. Additionally, the provincial government will write to the federal government regarding matters that fall under federal jurisdiction.
The Vice Chancellors proposed forwarding a summary to the provincial cabinet to increase the retirement age of university professors from 60 to 65 years. They pointed out that retaining qualified and experienced faculty in public universities has become increasingly difficult due to higher salary packages offered by private institutions. Furthermore, universities are taking proactive measures to maintain law and order on campuses and curb drug abuse. The Chief Secretary concluded that resolving the challenges faced by universities requires coordinated efforts among the provincial government, university administrations, and relevant federal bodies, assuring that consultations with Vice Chancellors will continue.