PU selection board meetings postponed over ‘controversy’

LAHORE: Punjab University Sunday abruptly postponed scheduled meetings of the Selection Board following controversy over alleged illegal approval of list of panel of experts. 

The meetings of Selection Board were scheduled for May 3, 4 and 6. Sources said a list of panel of experts which was not recommended by the selection board was approved by the PU Syndicate in its meeting held on April 8, 2017.

The sources also said as per university calendar, the heads of department were bound to forward the list of expert in consultation with faculty members and alleged most of the heads of departments did not consult the lists with their respective faculty members.

They also said the Selection Board in its meeting held on February 28 had authorised the university registrar, which was beyond its authority as per university calendar, to update the list provided it is finalised in consultation with the faculty. However, according to university calendar Selection Board had no authority to delegate its functions to any other person or authority.

Meanwhile, in a press statement PU spokesman said the meetings of Selection Board were postponed in the wake of recent verdict of Lahore High Court. Moreover, the spokesman said the university administration has also sought lists of more experts from the departments concerned and the next meetings of Selection Boards will be held after approval of all the lists according to university rules. He categorically denied the allegation that the meetings have been postponed for any other reason being propagated.

The spokesman said lists of experts for appointments on faculty positions were approved by university’s Selection Board in its meeting held on February 28 in which representatives of all the faculties, Syndicate and Punjab Public Service Commission were present. He said the lists were presented before the Selection Board through proper channel and all codal formalities were fulfilled. He said the Selection Board meeting discussed the lists of expert at length and furthermore, the lists were recommended to the Syndicate as per rules and regulations for its final approval. The spokesman said that the Syndicate in its meeting held on April 8 unanimously approved the recommendations of the Selection Board. The spokesman said the administration has exercised all its powers within the ambit of law in this regard.

PU Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Zafar Mueen Nasir, when contacted, said some faculty members were allegedly trying to create controversy over the Selection Board. He said due process and codal formalities were followed.

Dr Zafar Nasir further said the meetings were postponed and would not be held unless all formalities were followed to ensure complete transparency in the process. He said heads of departments were repeatedly directed to consult with their respective faculty members vis-à-vis the list of experts.