Amendments to Sindh University Act ‘inappropriate’: KUTS

Karachi

The General Body of the Karachi University Teachers’ Society on Wednesday termed the amendments made in the Sindh University Act ‘uncalled for’ and ‘inappropriate’; appointments on varsity’s administrative posts made directly by the Chief Minister Secretariat unanimously denounced by teachers.

“The direct appointment made by the Sindh government, despite the fact that it had only half the seats in the executive body, the syndicate and the selection board of the university, meant the government intended to disturb the autonomy of the universities which was never the objective of the 18th amendment,” KUTS President Dr Shakeel-ur-Rehman Farooqi said.

The teachers’ body resolved to resist any such intervention by the provincial government in the University of Karachi (KU).

The speakers also condemned advertisements for appointments made by the Sindh government in violation of the signed agreement between the government and representatives of teachers’ bodies, the Federation of All Pakistan Universities Academic Staff Association.

“All teachers’ bodies see the political government’s intervention in the matters of higher education as an attempt to control the educational resources.

The KUTS announced that it will be hosting a teachers’ convention, which would include all universities of Sindh as well as teachers’ representatives from other provinces as well, on February 18 in Karachi.

The association demanded of the Sindh government to table the withdrawal of amendments in the Sindh Universities Act in the provincial assembly.

The KUTS further added that the body’s next step would be announced following the convention.

The society’s general body meeting also expressed dismay over the health care policy of the KU and demanded full health care coverage for its employees.

The speakers pointed out that medical facilities offered to teachers were not enough, whereas the university’s clinic was also not well equipped and staffed. Poor day-care facilities established by the Sindh government were also criticised.

The meeting’s participants also decided to extend the period of a committee to review the terms and conditions of the Karachi University Benevolent Fund and recommended the support of those facing severe or terminal illness.

The teachers showed dissatisfaction on how different centres and institutes were operating in the University and called for maintaining transparency in utilisation of the varsity’s resources.

The participants also demanded to appoint the directors for a term of less than three years in compliance with the university’s code of conduct; regular meetings of the board of governors and public declaration of the audited annual account statements were also demanded to be held.

The meeting was presided over by Dr Farooqi, while secretary Moiz Khan and members syndicate Dr Ahmed Qadri, Dr Jameel Kazmi, Dr Haris Shaoib, former registrar Dr Nasiruddin and others also spoke on the occasion.