The Federation of All Pakistan Universities Academic Staff Association (FAPUASA) Punjab Chapter has rejected the Federal Government’s Insufficient Budget Allocation for Higher Education Institutions across Country for FY 2023-24.
The FAPUASA (Punjab) expressed deep disappointment over the federal government’s failure to manage the budget for HEI’s in Pakistan. Whereas, FAPUASA’s central / Punjab executives at their relevant time while in person meetings with Chairman HEC, Federal Government and the provincial Government of the Punjab demanded for a substantial and direly needed increase. The FAPUASA (Punjab) termed this budget as “Hopelessly conceived budget” proposed for HEI by not allocating a single rupee for the recurring budget and only marginal increase of 4 billion rupees for the development budget.
FAPUASA, had strongly advocated for allocation of HEI’S budget to the tune of 500 billion rupees to meet the operational requirements of the institutions in realistic manner. Furthermore, FAPUASA emphasized the need for a development budget of 200 billion rupees to address infrastructure and research needs of HEI’s across country. Regrettably, the Government’s inaction jeopardizes the future of HEI’s in Pakistan, impeding the ability of universities to fulfill their obligations, including the payment of salaries and pensions.
The financial constraints imposed on universities will have severe repercussions on the educational landscape. If universities are unable to meet their basic financial requirements, it will force faculty members and employees to protest throughout the year.
Such unrest will disrupt academic activities and hinder the pursuit of knowledge and research, which are essential for the progress and development of our nation.
In addition to the insufficient budget allocation for recurring expenses, FAPUASA also highlighted the issue of hyperinflation in the country.
While the government has taken a step in the right direction by granting a 30 percent increase in salaries, it must be acknowledged that this increase does not adequately address the rising cost of living. FAPUASA had requested a 50 percent increase in salaries to mitigate the effects of hyperinflation on the academic community.
FAPUASA urged the federal government to immediately reconsider its decision and allocate a substantial budget for universities. The future of our higher education institutions hangs in the balance, and without adequate financial support, they risk deterioration and decay. Investing in education is a long-term commitment, the government must own to ensure the progress and prosperity of our nation, and neglecting this vital sector will have grave consequences including the compromised intellectual capital. FAPUASA Punjab President and Secretary further demanded that the Punjab Government must chip in matching grant to the tune of HEC’s Contribution for each HEI.
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