Editorial:
The University of Balochistan (UoB), the oldest and most prestigious institution of higher education in the province of the country, finds itself grappling with a severe financial crisis.
With monthly expenditures of Rs 28 crore to pay 1,450 employees and dwindling grants from the Higher Education Commission (HEC), the situation demands urgent and comprehensive action.
The Public Accounts Committee (PAC), chaired by Asghar Ali Tareen, has shed light on alarming issues, including overstaffing, fund misuse, and administrative failures. These revelations highlight the long-standing mismanagement that has pushed this vital institution to the brink.
Key Issues Exposed
• Overstaffing and Mismanagement: The university’s bloated workforce has exacerbated financial burdens, with questionable appointments of unqualified or connected individuals.
• Fund Misuse: Rupees 22.876 million meant for house rent and repairs, along with laptops for students, have reportedly been misused, raising serious accountability concerns.
•Non-Returning Teachers: Thirteen faculty members sent abroad for higher education failed to return, prompting PAC to call for strict legal actions, including FIRs against their guarantors.
The Role of the Government
While the Government of Balochistan has provided Rs 22 crore, it is evident that this support falls short of addressing the financial demands of an institution of this scale. Education is not a luxury; it is a necessity. The government must ensure timely payment of salaries to faculty and staff and provide additional support to stabilize the university’s finances.
The Way Forward
- Accountability: Individuals responsible for fund misuse and mismanagement must face strict consequences.
- Revenue Generation: As an autonomous body, the university must explore innovative ways to generate revenue, such as partnerships with the private sector and offering market-relevant programs.
- Protests and Employee Rights: The University Act 2022, which imposes fines and imprisonment on protesting employees, must be revisited. Silencing staff is not a solution; addressing their grievances is.
A Call for Balance
It is crucial to separate the actions of a few self-serving individuals from the institution as a whole. Punishing the university, its students, and its dedicated faculty for the misdeeds of a few will only exacerbate the crisis.
Balochistan University has played a pivotal role in shaping the province’s educational landscape. The government, university administration, and all stakeholders must collaborate to restore its financial and academic integrity. The future of higher education in Balochistan depends on it.
