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PU VC withdraws Tenure Track System
Lahore, June 05, 2008: The Tenure Track System (TTS), which was being termed a major breakthrough to
help establish an atmosphere of research in the Punjab University, has been
withdrawn by PU vice chancellor, it has been learnt.
The abrupt
withdrawal of recently adopted TTS is being termed as a serious joke with
faculty members who are now expressing strong reservations on its withdrawal
without consulting with the statutory bodies of the university.
It is
learnt that PU Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Mujahid Kamran has used his discretionary
powers under Section 15 (3) of the University of Punjab Act 1973 to withdraw the
Tenure Track System.
PU teachers are of the view that if the TTS had to
be withdrawn, why the teachers were allowed to join the same through the process
of selection board.
On 22 January 2008, the Punjab University Syndicate
in its 1674th meeting, the first under the chairmanship of VC Dr Mujahid Kamran,
had reached a consensus to adopt the Tenure Track System.
The VC on the
occasion had said, "After adopting TTS, PU teachers will become stronger
financially and they would be in a better position to utilise all their energies
for research studies. He added that after adopting this system, foreign
qualified Pakistanis will prefer to serve in the Punjab University."
It
is worth mentioning that under the Tenure Track Pay Package (Version 2.0-January
1, 2008); a professor was to be offered Rs 180,000 to 312,500 monthly salary, an
associate professor from Rs1, 20,000 to 226,500 and assistant professor from Rs
80,000 to 161,000.
Official sources in the Punjab University said that around 85 PU faculty members had joined services under the TTS. The
sources added however, no one was paid salary under this system so
far.
The Higher Education Commission (HEC) introduced TTS some years ago
while in January 2004; PU Syndicate meeting took up the issue for the first
time. Later in December 2005, a draft was prepared in this regard, which was
presented in December 2005 meeting for approval, but due to the opposition by
some members, the draft could not be approved.
Later in June 2006
syndicate meeting, a committee was formed to prepare a comprehensive policy on
adopting TTS and finally it was adopted by PU in January 2008. After adopting
TTS, PU was included among 13 universities of the country, which have adopted
this system. The Punjab University Academic Staff Association (PUASA), an
elected body of teachers, has also expressed strong concern over withdrawal of
TTS.
The administrative committee of PUASA has unanimously passed
different resolutions condemning the VC for withdrawing TTS without placing the
issue before the varsity's Syndicate to take a final decision in this
connection.
The other resolutions, distributed among PU faculty members
by PUASA on Wednesday, include condemnation of alleged discrimination in
teachers' upgradation, alleged irregularities in appointments of wardens and
superintendents of hostels and allotment of ER type homes to varsity teachers
allegedly without permission of the house allotment committee.
According
to the PUASA resolutions, a copy of which is available with 'The News', the
teaching community expressed strong unease over withdrawal of TTS by saying if
there are some issues over its adoption with the Higher Education Commission,
and these would have been solved before appointing teachers under this system.
"The teachers have celebrated their appointment under TTS and exchanged
best wishes," the resolution reads, adding, "The withdrawal of TTS at this
moment is certainly equal to disgrace of teachers." Another resolution
criticised the university administration for upgrading teachers allegedly
without a just and transparent formula. "The meeting strongly condemns the
administration for neglecting senior and experienced teachers while appointing
wardens and superintendents of boys and girls hostels," reads another
resolution.
The last resolution criticises the administration for not
taking PUASA into confidence and allotting residences allegedly without
permission of house allotment committee.
When contacted, PU Registrar
Prof Dr Muhammad Naeem Khan said HEC had asked the university for detailed
documentation in connection with adoption of the TTS, adding the Commission was
the final authority as far as the TTS was concerned.
"The documentation
includes proceedings of the selection board, proceedings of syndicate and
dossiers of faculty members and expert report of foreign review panel," he
said.
He added that, "HEC is the funding body for TTS and that it has not
released funds in this regard and that the ball is in the court of HEC
now."
He said the VC withdrew TTS using his discretionary powers in
anticipation of an approval of the Syndicate.
Dr Khan said it was
expected that funds for universities by the HEC for TTS would be allocated in
the coming budget. He added that subject to the approval of HEC, those appointed
under TTS would also be provided arrears.
He categorically refuted
allegations levelled against the PU administration by PUASA saying upgradation
of teachers was done on merit.
He said that all appointments of wardens
and superintendents were made for a period of three years.
"There are
teachers who have served in such capacities for over 20 years, which is against
the spirit of rotation," he said, adding, "Its time to replace old guards with
young and talented new blood."
Talking about allotment of residences, PU
Registrar said all the allotments were made on merit by the house allotment
committee. He added new homes were built with official funding and PUASA did not
have any role in this connection.
When contacted HEC executive director
Dr Sohail H Naqvi, he said there were some procedural issues regarding adoption
of TTS by the Punjab University. He added these would be sorted out soon. The News
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