Islamabad:FAPUASA has strongly condemned the notification issued by the Government of Balochistan last week through Colleges, Higher & Technical Education Department abolishing numerous critical allowances for employees of all public sector universities in the province and introducing a new, insufficient “Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) Allowance.”
It said the notification is not only a severe blow to the financial rights of university employees but also undermines the stability and quality of higher education in Balochistan. The withdrawal of allowances such as Utility, House Requisition, Hardship, Orderly, Special, and Technical Subject Allowance has pushed employees, particularly those in junior position, to financial distress.
The newly introduced PSU allowance poses several concerns as it is limited to only 25% of the basic salary in Quetta and 35% in other cities, significantly less than the combined previous allowances. It excludes contractual and ad-hoc staff, exacerbating financial inequality. It will not be part of pension or gratuity calculations, endangering post-retirement financial security.
Furthermore, the directive for universities to generate their own finances with reduced reliance on government grants is unrealistic and detrimental, especially given the already fragile financial condition of universities in Balochistan. FAPUASA has demanded an immediate withdrawal of this notification and urged all faculty members, employees, unions and staff associations to stand united and engage in dialogue with the government.