Tight recruitment

The recent directives by the Sindh chief minister regarding recruitment policies in public universities raise significant concerns about their impact on higher education in the province. The measures include mandatory contract-based hiring for faculty, restrictions on recruiting non-teaching staff, and requiring prior government approval for key positions.

These changes, possibly aimed at addressing financial constraints and improving governance, could undermine institutional autonomy, academic integrity, and operational efficiency. While financial prudence is necessary, it must not compromise the quality, autonomy, and operational efficiency of Sindh’s public universities. A collaborative and balanced approach is critical to strengthening the province’s higher education system.

Dr Intikhab Ulfat

Karachi