Karachi/Islamabad:
A dispute has emerged between the Higher Education Commission (HEC) and the Higher Education Commission of SENDH (Sindh Hran) on the participation of university vice chancellor in an next international forum scheduled to be held in Rabat, Morocco.
Hran has invited the vice chancellor throughout the country to attend the forum, asking universities to cover the travel expenses themselves. However, the Sindh Hran has refused to allow the universities of the province to use provincial subsidies for this purpose.
The president of Sindh Hac, Dr. Tariq Rafi, has issued a notice to the bosses of all public sector universities that advise them not to make foreign trips using public funds, with the warning that such cases will be informed to the main minister, the chancellor or the controlling authority of universities in SINDH.
“The Sindh government gives subsidies to universities strictly for academic and research purposes. These funds cannot be spent on foreign trips,” Rafi said. He added that while vice channels are free to attend the forum at their own cost, they are not allowed to use university or governmental funds for the trip.
Sindh Hac recalled that it was difficult for many public sector universities in Sindh even paying the salaries of teachers and staff. Even the essential expenses were covered by loans, he said.
If such expenses for international trips are of great need, then they can only be incurred after the main minister has given its approval.
The SINDH HEC citing the existing policy of the Department of Universities and Boards of Sindh says that the license notifications issued for foreign tours explicitly mention that the expenses of such tours will not be assumed by the Government of Funds of SENDH or University.
The ViceCillers forum was originally planned in Islamabad last month, but was transferred to Rabat due to the growing tensions between Pakistan and India, the sources said.
Sindh Hac emphasized that most universities in the province already face financial deficits, and spend scarce resources on international trips would be irresponsible.
