FAPUASA urges fed govt. to reconsider its stance on university funding and immediately revise the budget allocation for the fiscal year 2023-2024 and include provincially charted universities.
From Correspondent
Islamabad
The Federation of All Pakistan Universities Academic Staff Association (FAPUASA) has denounced the recent government notification proposing a meager budget allocation for universities in the fiscal year 2023-2024.
“FAPUASA Pakistan, representing thousands of dedicated academics and researchers across the country, deems this allocation wholly inadequate and a major setback for the already struggling higher education sector,” a press release said on Thursday.
Most importantly, unlike the previous practice, according to the Finance Division Notification, federal government public sector universities & centers would get priority in allocation of the funds and provincially charted universities which are more than 80% of total universities, have been asked to approach provincial governments to enhance their shares.
This unilateral decision is violation of decision of Council of Common Interests which decided in 2010 that the funding to the provincially charted universities would be responsibility of federal government till announcement of new NFC award.
“The FAPUASA Pakistan leadership firmly believes that investment in education and research is pivotal for the growth and development of any nation. However, the government’s proposed budget fails to reflect this critical understanding. With an allocation that falls far short of the needs and demands of the universities, it is evident that the government has neglected the urgent requirements of our higher education institutions.”
It is imperative to note that universities in Pakistan are facing numerous challenges, including insufficient infrastructure, outdated equipment, and a lack of essential resources.
The proposed budget allocation exacerbates these issues, hindering the universities’ ability to provide quality education, conduct groundbreaking research, and contribute effectively to the country’s progress.
FAPUASA Pakistan demands the federal government to reconsider its stance on university funding and immediately revise the budget allocation for the fiscal year 2023-2024 and include provincially charted universities.
We firmly assert that the proposed budget must be increased to at least 500 billion rupees for recurring expenses and an additional 200 billion rupees for development purposes.
This substantial increase in budgetary allocation is vital to address the pressing needs of the higher education sector.
Adequate funding will enable universities to recruit qualified faculty, upgrade infrastructure, modernize laboratories, acquire cutting-edge research equipment, enhance library resources, and foster an environment conducive to learning and research.
FAPUASA Pakistan calls upon the federal government to recognize the crucial role that universities play in nurturing intellectual growth, fostering innovation, and producing a skilled workforce. It is only through substantial investment in higher education that Pakistan can achieve its development goals, meet international standards, and compete globally.
FAPUASA Pakistan also urges the government to engage in a meaningful dialogue with university stakeholders, including academic staff, students, and administration, to develop a comprehensive understanding of the challenges faced by the sector. Through collaboration and mutual cooperation, we can devise sustainable solutions that ensure the future prosperity of our higher education institutions.
“FAPUASA Pakistan remains committed to advocating for the rights and interests of the academic community and will continue to raise its voice against any policy or decision that undermines the progress of higher education in the country,” statement concludes.
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