Call to revise search body for VCs’ appointment

LAHORE: Federation of All Pakistan Universities Academic Staff Association (FAPUASA) has demanded to revise composition of Search Committee for the appointment of vice-chancellors with majority of the members from academia of public sector universities.

“An experienced academician should be appointed as convener of the Search Committee, which plays a very important role in deciding about the future of universities and university education,” said a meeting of FAPUASA central cabinet along with provincial chapter cabinets held in Government College University, here Monday. The issues faced by teaching staff across the country were discussed at length for two days and decisions were agreed upon regarding several issues to be pursued in letter and spirit.

Attended by FAPUASA’s Central President Dr Mehboob Hussain, General Secretary Arif Khan, Punjab chapter President Dr Hamid Mukhtar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chapter President Dr Iqbal Munir, Balochistan chapter President Dr Ahmad Shah Kakar, Sindh chapter President Dr Anila Amber Malik, Islamabad chapter President Dr Sohail Yousaf, the meeting unanimously agreed that the appointment criteria of vice-chancellors be revised and must strictly be followed as non- PhD vice-chancellors are working in different universities. Further annual performance review of the vice-chancellors should be made mandatory for the uplift of university education.

Majority of the universities in the country are run on ad-hoc basis as since long they are waiting for the appointment of regular vice-chancellors. FAPUSA demanded earlier appointment of regular vice-chancellors in these universities.

Advertisement for the position of vice-chancellors and other office-bearers must be done in time as delay in the process hinders educational process and creates unrest.

FAPUASA demands Uniform Act for the universities in Pakistan for smooth running of universities and to reduce political interference in higher education and research. TTS faculty issues like salary package and leave rules be revised. They must not be considered on extraordinary leave while switching over from BPS to TTS.

Syndicate is the governing body of the university. As it is reported that minutes and proceeding of the meetings are tampered by vice-chancellors and registrars or not reported properly. FAPUASA urged all universities that the proceeding of Syndicate meeting be recorded through video recording.

In newly-established universities study leave is granted on half pay. FAPUASA demanded to bring it on a par with other universities and study leave be given on full pay for the promotion of research and academics. Further MPhil allowance should be extended to MS/MSc Hons which are equivalent degrees.

Delay in the fulfilment of the due rights of teachers will not be tolerated as the case of Karachi and other universities is reported. Further the hardship cases of Sindh be addressed on priority basis.

The meeting expressed serious concern over slowing down of anti-encroachment drive for the removal of illegal occupants over 298 acres of precious land of Quaid-e-Azam University Islamabad. They demanded the government take notice of this case.

It also expressed concerns over undue interference of HEC and HED’s in universities. The government should fulfil its promise of tax rebate and retirement at 65 years of age for university teachers. It also expressed concerns over appointment of male faculty in women universities of KP.

FAPUASA is the representative body of the teaching faculty throughout the country and is a major stakeholder of teachers’ issues. It should be given proper representation in all decision making bodies and committees for the improvement and uplift of education in country.

The meeting condemned the termination of faculty members in Islamic International University, Islamabad and demanded their reinstatement with all perks and privileges without any delay. In this regard, black day will be observed throughout the country against the illegal termination and demotion of the faculty by university administration on 19th February.